Hemoperitoneum after routine colonoscopy: A case report.

Colonoscopy is a routine examination which is considered a safe and low risk procedure. Hemoperitoneum due to a splenic injury after colonoscopy is a rare but life-threatening complication.

Methods: We present the case of a 57-year-old woman without medical or surgical history who presented acute abdominal pain after a colonoscopy with three polypectomies. Clinical, biological investigations and imaging were suggestive for a hemoperitoneum. An emergency exploratory laparoscopy revealed a massive hemoperitoneum due to 2 avulsions of the splenic capsule. We review the literature on incidence, mechanisms, risk factors, common symptoms, diagnosis methods and therapeutic options concerning hemoperitoneum due to a splenic injury after colonoscopy.

Conclusions: The early suspicion of this potential complication is the key to good care in this situation.