Arezzo prosecutors investigate death following colonoscopy

The Arezzo Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation into the death of a 64-year-old man from Civitella in Val di Chiana, who died several weeks after undergoing a colonoscopy. The procedure, which included the removal of a polyp, took place on September 4 at the Centro Chirurgico Toscano, a private accredited facility.

Following the procedure, the man reportedly experienced severe abdominal pain and sought emergency care at the San Donato Hospital in Arezzo. He was subsequently hospitalized and underwent surgery for a suspected intestinal perforation. After a period of recovery, he returned to the hospital on September 21 for a check-up, where his condition rapidly deteriorated due to a suspected severe infection, possibly sepsis, leading to his death.

Authorities have ordered an autopsy and seized medical records to determine if the intestinal injury was caused during the initial colonoscopy or through other means. In addition to the judicial inquiry, the Asl Toscana sud-est has launched an internal investigation. No medical staff or facilities have been held responsible at this stage.