KEYWORDS
Endoscopic clipping
-
endoscopic repair
-
iatrogenic colonic perforation
Introduction
Colonoscopy is a commonly performed procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of a
range of colorectal diseases. Although considered safe, the overall incidence of associated
colonic perforation varies between 0.016% and 5%.[1], [2] The iatrogenic colonic perforation is considered an abdominal emergency and requires
urgent repair. Although effective and life-saving, surgical intervention increases
the hospital stay and overall cost of treatment.[3], [4]
We report a case of colonic perforation in an elderly gentleman during a diagnostic
colonoscopy that was managed with endoscopic clipping. The use of standard metallic
hemoclip (with reusable applicator) resulted in the economical yet effective management
of colonic perforation. The patient recovered completely and needed for a major surgery
and possible temporary ileostomy was averted.
Case Report
A 70-year-old man was admitted with complains of mild right iliac fossa pain, bloating
sensation, and alteration of bowel habit. There was no history of fever, anorexia,
weight loss or gastrointestinal bleed. Abdominal ultrasound revealed an inflammatory
thickening of the caecum and ileocaecal junction along with sludge in the gallbladder
lumen. The patient underwent a diagnostic colonoscopy after preparation with 2 L of
polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution. The bowel preparation was excellent. While
negotiating the scope through angulated sigmoid-descending colon junction, the patient
complained of sudden onset excruciating abdominal pain. A colonic rent of about 20-mm
was apparent in the sigmoid colon [Figure 1]. The further procedure was abandoned, and the scope was withdrawn. An erect abdominal
X-ray was obtained that showed bilateral subdiaphragmatic-free air [Figure 2].
Figure: Colonoscopic view showing a 2-cm perforation in the sigmoid colon (arrow)
Figure: Abdominal X-ray showing subdiaphragmatic-free air (arrows)
Meanwhile, the patient remained hemodynamically stable and had only slight tenderness
over the left lumbar region. In view of old age and reluctance to undergo surgery,
it was decided to attempt closure of the colonic rent endoscopically.
The patient underwent the second colonoscopy after 2.5 h of the index procedure. A
cap-fitted thin scope was used to provide increased maneuverability with better visualization
and stability. The scope was inserted gently using minimal CO2 insufflation. The perforation
site was recognized and the spilled out enteric contents were suctioned through the
rent itself. Starting from the perforation edge, one by one 10 EZ hemoclips (EZ Hemoclip
standard 135°, Olympus Health, Tokyo, Japan)were applied to close the defect completely
[[Figure 3] and [Supplementary Video 1]].[MULTIMEDIA:1] The use of standard hemoclips (with
reloadable deployment device) proved to be a low-cost alternative to modalities such
as endoscopic suturing or over-the-scope clips. Intravenous antibiotics were continued,
and the patient was kept nil per orally for the next 3 days. The patient was kept
under close clinical monitoring for early detection of peritonitis. He had a fever
spike (102°F) on the first postprocedure day but remained afebrile thereafter. Abdominal
tenderness decreased and bowel function returned on the fourth postprocedure day.
Total leukocyte counts which were elevated on days 2 and 3, (~13,000/mm3) also normalized
on day 4. Antibiotics were stopped and he was discharged on the sixth postprocedure
day. He remains symptom-free at a follow-up of 2 months. On repeat ultrasound, the
caecum and ileocaecal region were found to be normal and thickening had resolved.
Figure: Closure of colonic perforation with hemoclips
Discussion
Colonic perforation is a rare but potentially lethal complication of colonoscopy.
The rectosigmoid area is the most common site for iatrogenic perforations.[4] Both intraperitoneal and extraperitoneal perforations can occur after colonoscopy.
The intraperitoneal perforations are more common and necessitate the urgent closure
of defect, whereas extraperitoneal perforations are rare and amenable to conservative
therapy.[5]
Most of the iatrogenic colonic perforations are identified during the procedure itself.
Sudden give way sensation along with visualization of intraperitoneal structures and/or
full-thickness rent in the colon wall is sufficient to diagnose the complication.
Abdominal X-ray shows the presence of free intraperitoneal air and contrast imaging
studies may detect extravasation of dye through colonic rent.[5], [6]
Early recognition and treatment of iatrogenic colonic perforations are vital to reducing
the severity of complications and death. The treatment options include conservative,
operative (open or laparoscopic), and endoscopic management. Surgical repair has been
long considered the standard treatment for iatrogenic colonic perforations.[7] However, recent advances in the endoscopic techniques have opened new dimensions
in nonsurgical management of iatrogenic colonic perforations. Yoshikane et al. reported
the first successful endoscopic repair of iatrogenic colonic perforation with endoclips
in 1997.[8] As the endoclip application became more widespread, several cases describing successful
endoscopic closure of colonic perforations have been reported lately.[9] The 2017 World Society of Emergency Surgery guideline [Figure 4] suggests endoscopic closure be reserved for patients with small perforations (<20
mm), good bowel preparation, and minimal peritoneal signs.[10] With growing experience, endoscopic clipping has been applied for closure of larger
(>30 mm) defects as well.[9] Close hemodynamic monitoring, broad-spectrum antibiotics and nil per orally form
an essential part of the management plan till bowel function returns.[10] The superficial apposition of colon wall seems sufficient for the healing of perforation,
and the reported success rate with this approach ranges from 69% to 93%.[4] The risk factors associated with the need for early surgical intervention after
endoscopic clip closure includes large perforation size, leukocytosis, fever, severe
abdominal pain, and a large amount of free peritoneal air.[9] Endoscopic suture closure of colonic perforations been shown to be feasible, and
can even be more effective than clipping, but experience with this technique is limited.[11]
Figure: Algorithm for the management of iatrogenic colonoscopy perforation
The endoscopic clipping is a safe technique that eliminates the risk of general anesthesia
and emergency surgery in patients with iatrogenic colon perforation. Although multiple
clips were utilized for closure of perforation in our case, the overall cost of treatment
was still low and affordable to the patient. This was due to the application of standard
hemoclips with reusable deployment device instead of expensive alternatives such as
endosutures or “bear claw” over-the-scope clips.
Conclusion
Endoscopic clipping can be an easy, safe, and effective alternative to surgery in
the management of iatrogenic colonic perforation. The prerequisites for the success
of this approach include early intervention, smaller defect size, prepared bowel,
and minimal peritoneal contamination.
Declaration of patient consent
The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms.
In the form the patient(s) has/have given his/her/their consent for his/her/their
images and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patients
understand that their names and initials will not be published and due efforts will
be made to conceal their identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
