Splenic rupture after screening colonoscopy: case report and literature review

Abstract

Splenic rupture is a rare complication after colonoscopy, and to date there are only 46 reported cases in the English-language literature. Presented is a case report of splenic rupture after screening colonoscopy that resulted in laparotomy and splenectomy within 24 hours of the original procedure. The article covers the hypothesized mechanisms of injury, various precautions to take during colonoscopy, suggested diagnostic algorithm, determining factors in treatment, and vaccine regimen. The article concludes by stating that as the number of colonoscopies increase, so will the prevalence of associated complications, and that physicians are encouraged to understand this paradigm shift.