SPLENIC HEMATOMA - A RARE COMPLICATION OF COLONOSCOPY

An extremely rare yet potentially fatal complication of colonoscopy is reported. A 52-year-old female developed a splenic subcapsular hemato ma following routine colonoscopy. Conservative treatment was successfu l. In the English literature, only 14 similar cases have been reported . Treatment of a splenic flexure lesion, previous surgery with splenoc olic adhesions, and inflammatory bowel disease increase the risk of su ch a complication. Increased awareness by surgeons and gastroenterolog ists should lead to prompt treatment and favorable outcome.