Laparoscopic Surgery in the Treatment of Iatrogenic Colonoscopic Perforation

Purpose: Colonic perforation is one of the most serious complications of colonoscopy. Surgical intervention is the standard treatment. The aim of our study was to assess the outcome of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of iatrogenic colonoscopic perforation.Methods: From January 2003 to December 2010, data of 12 consecutive patientswho had undergone laparoscopic surgery for iatrogenic colonoscopic perforation was collected for retrospective review.Results: Eight patients were men; the mean age of the 12 patients was 56 years. Eight patients had received therapeutic procedures in the form of a polypectomy. Most of the perforation sites were in the sigmoid colon (n = 8). The mean perforation size was 2 cm and mean operative time was 110 minutes. The operative procedure included primary repair (n = 9) and resection with anastomosis (n = 3). No conversion or colonic diversion was needed. One surgical complication of wound infection was detected. There was no surgical mortality.Conclusion: Laparoscopic surgery on colonoscopic perforations, in experienced hands, is a viable alternative to the open approach.