Postpolypectomy Syndrome Without the Use of Hot Snare

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endoscopic procedures
• Pathophysiology

Background:

• Postpolypectomy syndrome (PPS) is typically linked to transmural injury from electrocoagulation during colonoscopy.
• Classic PPS symptoms include fever, leukocytosis, abdominal pain, and localized peritoneal inflammation, usually resolving with conservative treatment.

Observation:

• A patient presented with PPS symptoms after removal of 11 polyps using cold snare and biopsy forceps.
• No electrocoagulation was employed, and histological examination revealed no deep colonic injury from the procedure.

Findings:

• The patient's presentation and procedural details contradict the established understanding of PPS etiology.
• This case highlights a potential disconnect between the accepted mechanism and observed clinical outcomes of PPS.

Implications:

• Further research is needed to explore alternative mechanisms causing postpolypectomy syndrome.
• Clinical guidelines may require re-evaluation regarding the causes and management of PPS, especially after non-thermal polypectomy techniques.