Published online Oct 27, 2023. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v15.i10.2343
Peer-review started: July 20, 2023
First decision: August 5, 2023
Revised: August 15, 2023
Accepted: September 5, 2023
Article in press: September 5, 2023
Published online: October 27, 2023
Postpolypectomy syndrome (PPS) is a rare postoperative complication of colonic polypectomy. It presents with abdominal pain and fever accompanied by coa
The patient was a 58-year-old man who underwent two colonic polypectomies, each resulting in life-threatening sepsis, septic shock, and coagulopathy. Each of the notable manifestations was a rapid drop in blood pressure, an increase in heart rate, loss of consciousness, and heavy sweating, accompanied by shortness of breath and decreased oxygen in the finger pulse. Based on the criteria of organ dysfunction due to infection, we diagnosed him with sepsis. The patient also experienced severe gastrointestinal bleeding after the second operation. Cu
PPS may induce dysregulation of the systemic inflammatory response, which can lead to sepsis or septic shock, even in the absence of abdominal pain.
Core Tip: Postpolypectomy syndrome (PPS) is a rare postoperative complication of colonic polypectomy. The prognosis is usually good, and it is characterized by abdominal pain, fever, inflammatory markers, and abnormal coagulation. We report a 58-year-old man who developed life-threatening sepsis or septic shock and gastrointestinal bleeding after colonic polypectomy. Except for the absence of abdominal pain, the patient presented with characteristic PPS symptoms of fever, significant coagulation abnormalities, and elevated inflammatory markers. Final blood culture indicated Moraxella osloensis. This case implies that abdominal pain is not a necessary symptom of PPS, and PPS without abdominal pain may progress to life-threatening sepsis and bleeding.