title: Colonic explosion during endoscopic polypectomy: avoidable complication or bad luck?
abstract: We were confronted recently by an intraluminal colonic explosion during a colonic polypectomy procedure using snare loop electrocautery, probably caused by the presence of hydrogen and/or methane in combustible concentrations. Our patient needed immediate surgery, when several lacerations were found in the colon: a right hemicolectomy and a partial sigmoid resection with primary anastomoses were performed. Colonic bacteria, rests of fecal fluids, certain cleansing solutions, and oxygen insufflation are the main factors involved in cases of colonic explosion. We describe this dramatic event in our patient and discuss whether this complication might be avoidable in the future.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands. djosemanders@alysis.nl
authors.forename: D F G M
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Josemanders
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Spillenaar Bilgen
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: van Sorge
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Wahab
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: de Vries
mesh_terms: D000236:Adenoma / Q000601:surgery*; D000368:Aged; D002430:Cecal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D003082:Colectomy; D003106:Colon / Q000293:injuries; D012809:Colon, Sigmoid / Q000473:pathology; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D003113:Colonoscopy; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D022125:Lacerations / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male