title: Critical decisions in the management of endoscopic perforations of the colon.
abstract: The ideal management of suspected colon perforation following colonoscopy remains elusive because the incidence is only 0.1 to 2.0 per cent. The patient with obvious perforation deserves immediate exploration, but the patient with equivocal findings poses a diagnostic dilemma. We propose an algorithm based on the results of water-soluble contrast enema that allows for rapid, definitive surgical decision-making. If perforation is confirmed, early operation allows for primary repair without resection or colostomy, or if no perforation is identified, medical management can be undertaken with confidence. This algorithm should ensure that the surgical management of this potentially lethal complication is not unnecessarily delayed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, The Norwood Clinic, Inc., Birmingham, Alabama 35234, USA.
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Clements
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Jordan
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Webb
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged