Sigmoid Serosal Lacerations during Colonscopy-An Unusual and Fatal Complication: Report of a Case

Laceration of the colonic serosa or mesocolon complicated by colonoscopy is rare but probably overlooked. Certain clinical and historical features may suggest the diagnosis. A case of 59-year-old woman, after colonoscopic examination was done and persistent abdominal pain with drop in hemoglobin level and blood pressure accompanied with transvaginal ultrasonography detected pelvic fluid, which led to the diagnosis of intraabdominal hemorrhage. The abdominal computed tomography depicted the bleeding focus. The exploratory laparotomy confirmed the sigmoid serosal lacerations with hemoperitoneum. The postoperative course was uneventful. The incidence, manifestations, diagnosis and managements of this complication were discussed. The possibility of serosal laceration, a fatal complication of colonoscopy, should be kept in mind.