postpolypectomy electrocoagulation syndrome

Etiology

• polypectomy with electrocoagulation during colonoscopy

Epidemiology

• 0.1% to 0.003%

Pathology

• electrocoagulation injury to the colon that results in a transmural burn & localized peritonitis

Clinical manifestations

• patients generally present 1-5 days post colonoscopy
• fever
• localized abdominal pain
• localized peritoneal signs

Laboratory

• complete blood count (CBC)
  • leukocytosis

Radiology

• no evidence of intestinal perforation

Management

• intravenous hydration
• broad spectrum parenteral antibiotics
• nothing by mouth until symptoms resolve
• outpatient management with oral antibiotics has been reported

More general terms

• syndrome

Additional terms

• colonoscopy