What should be done if a perforation is suspected during an endoscopy?

What should be done if a perforation is suspected during an endoscopy?

• A. Continue the procedure and monitor the patient
• B. Immediate surgical consultation and possible intervention
• C. Administer pain relief and reassess later
• D. Document the finding and proceed as usual

Answer: (B)

When a perforation is suspected during an endoscopy, the appropriate course of action is to seek immediate surgical consultation and potential intervention. The urgency of this response is due to the serious nature of a perforation, which can lead to peritonitis, sepsis, or other life-threatening complications if not addressed promptly. Immediate surgical consultation is vital as it allows for expert evaluation of the patient's condition and the determination of whether surgical intervention is necessary to repair the perforation. Delay in addressing a perforation could result in significant morbidity or mortality as the risk of infection and other complications increases with time. In contrast, continuing the procedure while monitoring the patient, administering pain relief with a plan to reassess later, or documenting the finding and proceeding as usual underestimates the critical nature of a perforation and may lead to devastating outcomes. Promptly involving surgical services ensures that the patient receives the highest level of care in a timely manner.

When a perforation is suspected during an endoscopy, the appropriate course of action is to seek immediate surgical consultation and potential intervention. The urgency of this response is due to the serious nature of a perforation, which can lead to peritonitis, sepsis, or other life-threatening complications if not addressed promptly.

Immediate surgical consultation is vital as it allows for expert evaluation of the patient's condition and the determination of whether surgical intervention is necessary to repair the perforation. Delay in addressing a perforation could result in significant morbidity or mortality as the risk of infection and other complications increases with time.

In contrast, continuing the procedure while monitoring the patient, administering pain relief with a plan to reassess later, or documenting the finding and proceeding as usual underestimates the critical nature of a perforation and may lead to devastating outcomes. Promptly involving surgical services ensures that the patient receives the highest level of care in a timely manner.