Laparoscopic colotomy repair following colonoscopic polypectomy.
OBJECTIVE
The unfortunate complication of a colotomy resulting from a colonoscopic polypectomy can be disastrous. Using the versatility of laparoscopic surgery, we aim to provide a treatment algorithm for these colonoscopic perforations.


METHODS
We report a case of cecal perforation, in a 70 year old female, following colonoscopic polypectomy that was treated successfully with laparoscopic application of an Endo-GIA linear stapler.


RESULTS
Four months following staple resection of her cecal perforation, the patient is asymptomatic and has undergone a repeat colonoscopy without any sequelae.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic techniques can be safely applied in the treatment of colonic perforations following therapeutic polypectomies. A suggested management algorithm is provided highlighting the role laparoscopy may provide in selected patients.
Kilic
Ahmet
A
Division of General Surgery, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA. skavic@smail.umaryland.edu
Kavic
Stephen M
SM
D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D002429:Cecal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D003111:Colonic Polyps / Q000601:surgery*; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D017792:Surgical Stapling