Abstract

Polyethylene glycol (Colyte^Ⱂ) electrolyte lavage solution is widely used for bowel preparataion before colonoscopy and surgery. The minor complications associated with PEG solution, i.e., nausea and bloating have been reported on. However, major complications such as PEG electrolyte lavage solution-induced Mallory-Weiss tear, esophageal rupture, asystole and aspiration have rarely been reported on. Spontaneous rupture of the esophagus (Boerhaave's syndrome) is a very rare disease and it is often diagnosed late or it is misdiagnosed because of the atypical clinical symptoms. Its mortality increases proportionally to the time between esophageal rupture and treatment. It can cause a fatal outcome unless it is treated early. We authors report here on a case of spontaneous esophageal rupture after bowel preparation with polyethylene glycol. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2005;31:315⁣319)

• Keywords: Esophageal rupture, Boerhaave's syndrome, Colyte^Ⱂ;, Colonoscopy, Preparation