Laparoscopic treatment of endoscopic sigmoid colon perforation: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Perforation of the colon after colonoscopy is a rare but potentially lethal complication. It usually occurs when endoscopy is performed for therapeutic purposes. In these cases the election of the best treatment is difficult and still controversial. Laparoscopy is a new approach for diagnosis and treatment of this condition. We report a case of a patient who was initially treated laparoscopically after a colonoscopic perforation. A postoperative leak was detected and the patient underwent open surgery. Possible therapeutic approaches and a literature review are discussed.