Incarceration of a colonoscope in an inguinal hernia: Case report and literature review

Incarceration of an endoscope in an inguinal hernia may occur during the course of routine colonoscopy. The incarceration may occur on insertion or withdrawal and frequently the hernia is not suspected prior to the colonoscopy. Most commonly, a left sided inguinal hernia is involved, however right inguinal hernias may be implicated in subjects with altered anatomy post abdominal surgery. Incarceration of an endoscope in an inguinal hernia has been seldom reported in the literature which is likely to be related to under reporting. A range of techniques have been suggested by various authors over the last four decades to manage this unusual complication of colonoscopy. These techniques include utilizing fluoroscopy, manual external pressure and/or the fitting of a cap onto the tip of the colonoscope to facilitate colonoscopic navigation. The authors present a case report of incarceration of the colonoscope on withdrawal in an unsuspected left inguinal hernia with a review of the literature on the management of this colonoscopic complication. A management strategy is suggested.