EGS P37 Colonoscopy Induced Gallbladder Perforation

Abstract

Abstract Background Gallbladder perforations are rare and usually affiliated with as an advanced complication of acute cholecystitis. Isolated and unique causes of gallbladder perforations have been reported however the mechanisms of these are often poorly understood. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a colonoscopy related gallbladder perforation in the literature. Methods Data was retrospectively collected from the patient’s clinical notes. A literature review of gallbladder perforations and colonoscopy complications was conducted using PubMed and EMBASE. Results A 74-year-old gentleman presented with gallbladder perforation post-colonoscopy. The patient had a polyp removal at the proximal ascending colon with cold snare. The following day the patient presented to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department with abdominal pains. After two repeat presentations to A&E, gallbladder perforation secondary to acute cholecystitis was noted on computed tomography (CT) scan. The patient was treated conservatively with intravenous fluids, antibiotics and a common bile duct stent was inserted to aid with bile flow. Conclusions This case highlights a potentially new complication of colonoscopy. Clinicians should be aware of this as rare but potential complication and take caution with the endoscope at the ascending colon. Patients presenting post-colonoscopy with abdominal pain should be investigated for acute cholecystitis and gallbladder perforation and an abdominal symptom screen prior to endoscopy may be of benefit.