How is colonic perforation after colonoscopy treated?
The risk of perforation of the colon is 0.19% to 0.4% after diagnostic colonoscopy and 0.3% to 1% with polypectomy. In a well-prepped colon, bowel rest, antibiotics, and observation are often appropriate, provided there is no evidence of diffuse peritonitis. For small perforations, early (within 24 hours) laparoscopic repair is a viable alternative, with resection and primary anastomosis reserved for large injuries or devitalized tissue. Other complications such as bleeding or even splenic rupture have rarely been reported after colonoscopy.
