Splenic Laceration: A Rare Complication of Colonoscopy

Splenic injury is usually seen with penetrating or blunt abdominal trauma. It is also one of the rare complications of colonoscopy. Various patient and procedural factors have been reported to increase the risk of this dreaded complication. We present a case of splenic injury after outpatient colonoscopy where intra-abdominal adhesions from previous abdominal surgeries were presumed to be the cause of splenic injury. Our patient had improved outcomes with timely diagnosis and intervention.

Automated summary

Splenic injury is often associated with abdominal trauma, but it can also be a complication of colonoscopy. Various factors can increase the risk of this complication. We present a case of splenic injury after outpatient colonoscopy believed to be caused by intra-abdominal adhesions from previous abdominal surgeries. Timely diagnosis and intervention led to improved outcomes for our patient.