# Acute Laceration in the Transverse Mesocolon After a Colonoscopy: A Case Report

## TL;DR

An elderly woman developed a rare but serious injury to her transverse mesocolon after a colonoscopy, highlighting potential risks of the procedure.

## Contribution

This case report documents a rare complication of colonoscopy involving transverse mesocolon laceration.

## Key findings

- A laceration of the transverse mesocolon was identified as a rare complication following colonoscopy.
- Risk factors may include old age, atherosclerotic disease, long procedure time, and abdominal compression.
- Emergency laparoscopy was necessary to diagnose and address the injury.

## Abstract

Colonoscopy is a widely used examination for colonic diseases with low risk. Hemoperitoneum due to injury of transverse mesocolon is an extremely rare but potentially lethal complication. We present a case of an elderly woman who complained of continuous abdominal pain after a colonoscopy, with progressive anemia. An emergency exploratory laparoscopy revealed a laceration of the transverse mesocolon. The underlying mechanism is unclear due to its rarity. Old age, atherosclerotic disease, the long operating time of colonoscopy, and manual compression on the abdomen during the procedure may be risk factors for transverse mesenteric laceration during colonoscopy.