Iatrogenic perforation during an endoscopic examination of the gastrointestinal tract.
OBJECTIVE
The study was aimed to highlighting the situations leading to increased risk of iatrogenic perforation during an endoscopic examination of the GIT. The optimization of surgical care procedure following intestinal perforation was suggested as well.


METHODS
We analysed 3897 colonoscopic examinations performed during the past 5 years. We have found 6 cases (0.15 %) of iatrogenic colon perforation.


RESULTS
All six cases of iatrogenic GIT perforations were followed by surgical revision. A suture was done twice, stomy three times, resection once, and restomisation also once.


CONCLUSIONS
Polypectomy of thick polyps with a wider base and more rigid consistency is dangerous. The longer is the time and stronger the coagulation, the higher is the chance of iatrogenic perforation. Therefore we recommend laparoscopically assisted procedure. (Ref. 10.)
Vokurka
J
J
First Department of Surgery, Medical faculty, St. Anna's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic. vokurka@med.muni.cz
D003106:Colon / Q000293:injuries*; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000209:etiology*