Post-Colonoscopy Perforation in a Patient With Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, renders the colonic mucosa particularly vulnerable to complications during endoscopic procedures. This case illustrates a serious complication following colonoscopy in active disease. A 25-year-old female presented with two weeks of hematochezia. Colonoscopy revealed severe active inflammation with ulcerations, friability, and spontaneous bleeding throughout the examined colon, consistent with chronic ulcerative colitis. Histopathology confirmed chronic architectural distortion with acute inflammatory infiltrates. Four hours post-procedure, the patient developed acute abdominal pain with guarding. Imaging demonstrated pneumoperitoneum with free subdiaphragmatic air. Emergency laparotomy identified a 4- to 5-mm perforation at the splenic flexure, correlating with an area of severe endoscopic inflammation. The site showed marked wall thinning without evidence of malignancy. Surgical management included primary closure with omental patch reinforcement and peritoneal lavage. This case demonstrates several key clinical considerations. First, it highlights the increased perforation risk during colonoscopy in active ulcerative colitis, particularly in severely inflamed segments. The splenic flexure's anatomical vulnerability may further predispose to perforation. Second, it emphasizes the importance of early recognition, where prompt surgical intervention likely contributed to the patient's successful recovery despite significant peritoneal contamination. Third, it illustrates the decision-making process for primary repair versus resection in iatrogenic perforations. The patient's postoperative course included appropriate antibiotic therapy and gradual nutritional advancement. At the time of discharge, she showed marked clinical improvement with resolving inflammatory markers. This case underscores the need for careful risk-benefit assessment when performing colonoscopy in active colitis and reinforces the value of preparedness for potential complications.