Abstract
We report a rare complication of colonoscopy-the incarceration of the colonoscope into an inguinal hernia.
A 77-year-old man underwent colonoscopy for routine follow-up. During the examination, when the colonoscope was inserted about 45 cm, it was suddenly stuck and could neither be advanced nor removed. The abdominal wall muscles were rigid, a reddish swelling in the left inguinal region was observed. Abdominal CT showed that the sigmoid colon and inside it the colonoscope were incarcerated in the left inguinal hernia ring. Under radiographic guidance, the colonoscope could not be withdrawn. An emergency operation was carried out, during which the incarcerated sigmoid colon was found to be located in the left inguinal fossa. The hernia hilum was repaired using the Direct Kugel method.
It is important to do a careful history and physical examination before colonoscopy since this alert the endoscopist about potential hazards such as the one we encountered in this patient.
