Actual colonic perforation in virtual colonoscopy: report of a case

Dis Colon Rectum. 2004 Jul;47(7):1242-4; discussion 1244-6. doi: 10.1007/s10350-004-0572-5. Epub 2004 May 19.

Abstract

Computed tomography colonography, also termed virtual colonoscopy, is a new imaging method to investigate the colon, which may be a potential alternative to the conventional endoscopic colonoscopy in some cases. The high safety profile of this imaging method was considered as an additional advantage of this procedure. A case of colonic perforation in computed tomography colonography is presented, highlighting a potential risk related to this procedure. It is assumed that perforation was the result of overinflation of air into an obstructed colon caused by a lesion at the rectosigmoid junction. Thus, it is suggested that in such cases, air insufflation should be gradual, thereby minimizing the risk of perforation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / complications
  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Adenocarcinoma / secondary
  • Adenocarcinoma / surgery
  • Aged
  • Colectomy
  • Colonography, Computed Tomographic / adverse effects*
  • Colonoscopy
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / complications
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Humans
  • Insufflation / adverse effects
  • Intestinal Obstruction / etiology
  • Intestinal Perforation / diagnostic imaging
  • Intestinal Perforation / etiology*
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Male
  • Treatment Outcome