Podcast # 477: Postpolypectomy Electrocoagulation Syndrome

Author:  Nick Hatch, MD Educational Pearls: Postpolypectomy electrocoagulation syndrome (PES) is a rare complication of polypectomy and electrocautery during colonoscopy Occurs when cautery causes transmural thickening from a contact burn Patients can present as if they have peritonitis, with guarding, leukocytosis, fever, etc. CT is the imaging of choice mainly to evaluate for bowel perforation as PES may not be seen on imaging Treatment is often with antibiotics and supportive care - in severe cases, hospitalization may be required. References Benson BC, Myers JJ, Laczek JT. Postpolypectomy electrocoagulation syndrome: a mimicker of colonic perforation. Case Rep Emerg Med. 2013;2013:687931. doi: 10.1155/2013/687931. Epub 2013 Jul 15. PubMed PMID: 23956889; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3728495. Summarized by Will Dewispelaere, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD