[Volvulus of the small intestine, a rare complication during laxative period before colonoscopy].
METHODS
A 69-year-old patient was hospitalized 16 h after investigation of the colon (screening colonoscopy), suffering from abdominal pain, which had started during the laxative period the day before colonoscopy.


METHODS
Clinical and technical investigations showed signs of a peritonitis.


METHODS
By laparotomy a volvulus of the small intestine was found, caused by adhesions after appendectomy years before. A resection of a part of the small intestine got necessary, there were no problems during the postoperative course.


CONCLUSIONS
If pain appears during the laxative period before colonoscopy, rare complications like volvulus of the small intestine should be considered.
Kersting
H W
HW
Internistisch-gastroenterologische Praxis, Hannover. dreskersting@t-online.de
Jähne
J
J
Mai
P
P
D000368:Aged; D001062:Appendectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D002400:Cathartics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000150:complications; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D045822:Intestinal Volvulus / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D007421:Intestine, Small; D007813:Laparotomy; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors
D002400:Cathartics