Background: Splenic rupture is an exceptionally rare, life-threatening complication of diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. It is traditionally secondary to direct mechanical traction or sudden spikes in intra-abdominal pressure.
Case Presentation: A 53-year-old male presented with haemorrhagic shock and acute abdomen 24 hours post-endoscopy. The procedure was complicated by persistent, intense retching. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) demonstrated a 4.9 cm splenic lower pole laceration, acute hematoma, and gross hemoperitoneum. Following progressive hemodynamic decline and a haemoglobin drop from 9.7 g/dL to 6.7 g/dL, emergency splenectomy was performed. Histopathology unexpectedly confirmed an underlying cavernous hemangioma at the lower pole with capsular rupture.
Conclusions: Surgeons must maintain a high index of suspicion for splenic injury during post-procedural evaluations of acute abdominal pain, particularly following uncooperative patient encounters or when hidden vascular anomalies exist.
Keywords: Splenic Rupture, Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Iatrogenic Complication, Cavernous Hemangioma, Hemoperitoneum.
Citation: Sundarajan, H., Sundaram, E., Kumar, N., Pugazhendhi, V., & Chandrasekar, S. (2026). Splenic Rupture Following Diagnostic Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: A Rare, Life-Threatening Complication. J Sur & Surgic Proce.,4(4):1-4. DOI : https://doi.org/10.47485/3069-8154.1036