DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjmcr.2025.v13i11.039

Pages: 2830-2832

Digestive endoscopy is an essential diagnostic and therapeutic tool in the management of gastrointestinal diseases. Despite its relative safety, it is not devoid of complications, some of which, although rare, can be severe and require urgent surgical intervention. This study aims to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic features of iatrogenic complications of gastrointestinal endoscopy managed surgically in our department and to analyze the outcomes. We conducted a retrospective descriptive study in the General Surgery Department of Avicenne Military Hospital, Marrakech, over a four-year period (January 2021 – December 2024). Eight patients who developed post-endoscopic complications requiring surgical management were included. Epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic, and outcome data were analyzed. The mean age of patients was 48.5 years (range: 27–70 years), with a male predominance (sex ratio 1.66). Complications were mainly digestive perforations (87.5%) and post-sphincterotomy hemorrhage (12.5%). Perforations occurred in the sigmoid colon in 62.5% of cases and in the duodenum in 37.5%. All patients underwent median laparotomy. Procedures performed included simple suturing, diversion colostomy, or duodenal exclusion, depending on the site and severity of the lesion. Postoperative outcomes were favorable in 75% of cases, with 25% requiring intensive care, and no deaths were reported. Although rare, iatrogenic complications of gastrointestinal endoscopy can be life-threatening. Early, multidisciplinary management is essential. Prevention relies on strict indication, technical proficiency, and adequate infrastructure. Close collaboration between endoscopists and surgeons remains key to a favorable prognosis.