Abstract

SANTOS, Hermano et al. Splenic Rupture: A Rare Complication of Colonoscopy. J Port Gastrenterol. [online]. 2011, vol.18, n.2, pp.81-85. ISSN 0872-8178.

INTRODUCTION: Splenic rupture is a rare complication of colonoscopy and consequently it is often diagnosed later, with dismal results. The majority of the 54 cases reported were diagnosed by CT scan and submitted to splenectomy. We present the case of a 47-year-old woman who underwent colonoscopy to investigate a primary tumor due to liver metastasis diagnosed in abdominal CT scan. After colonoscopy, the patient started with left upper abdominal pain accompanied by hypotension and an acute drop in hematocrit. She underwent emergency laparotomy and splenic rupture and hemoperitoneum were detected. Splenectomy was performed with an uneventful postoperative course. We make a brief review of the literature and highlight the need for a high degree of suspicion for the diagnosis.

Keywords : Splenectomy; hemoperitoneum; splenic rupture.

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