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Colonoscope incarceration within an inguinal hernia: a cautionary tale

M P Saunders1

  • 1Department of Surgery, Lewisham Hospital NHS Trust, London.

The British Journal of Clinical Practice
|May 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Colonoscope entrapment in an undiagnosed left inguinal hernia is rare. This report details a case, explains a potential cause, and describes the colonoscope retrieval method.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Complications
  • Medical Device Incidents

Background:

  • Colonoscopy is a common diagnostic procedure.
  • Inguinal hernias can be asymptomatic and undetected.
  • Rare complications of colonoscopy require specific management strategies.

Observation:

  • A colonoscope became incarcerated within an undetected left-sided inguinal hernia.
  • This event represents a rare but significant iatrogenic complication.
  • The physical characteristics of the hernia contributed to the entrapment.

Findings:

  • A review of existing literature on colonoscope incarceration in inguinal hernias was performed.
  • A plausible mechanism for the colonoscope's entrapment within the hernia sac was elucidated.
  • A specific technique was successfully employed for the safe removal of the incarcerated colonoscope.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering rare hernias during colonoscopy, especially in patients with risk factors.
  • Informs proceduralists about a potential, albeit infrequent, complication and its management.
  • Contributes to the body of knowledge on managing complex gastrointestinal endoscopic emergencies.

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