Suárez M, Martínez R, Santiago-Ramos PC. Not losing sight of the bigger picture of complications associated with post-polypectomy syndrome: A case report and review of literature. World J Clin Cases 2025; 13(31): 110734 [DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v13.i31.110734]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Miguel Suárez, MD, PhD, Associate Chief Physician, Department of Gastroenterology, Virgen de la Luz Hospital, Hermandad Donantes De Sangre, Cuenca 16002, Castille-La Mancha, Spain. msuarezmatias@sescam.jccm.es
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Gastroenterology & Hepatology
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Case Report
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This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Nov 6, 2025 (publication date) through Nov 7, 2025
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Publication Name
World Journal of Clinical Cases
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2307-8960
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Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 7041 Koll Center Parkway, Suite 160, Pleasanton, CA 94566, USA
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Suárez M, Martínez R, Santiago-Ramos PC. Not losing sight of the bigger picture of complications associated with post-polypectomy syndrome: A case report and review of literature. World J Clin Cases 2025; 13(31): 110734 [DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v13.i31.110734]
Not losing sight of the bigger picture of complications associated with post-polypectomy syndrome: A case report and review of literature
Miguel Suárez, Raquel Martínez, Patricia C Santiago-Ramos
Miguel Suárez, Raquel Martínez, Department of Gastroenterology, Virgen de la Luz Hospital, Cuenca 16002, Castille-La Mancha, Spain
Miguel Suárez, Raquel Martínez, Medical Analysis Expert Group, Institute of Technology, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca 16071, Castille-La Mancha, Spain
Miguel Suárez, Raquel Martínez, Medical Analysis Expert Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo 45071, Castille-La Mancha, Spain
Patricia C Santiago-Ramos, Primary Care Center, Gerencia de Atención Integrada de Cuenca, Priego 16800, Castille-La Mancha, Spain
Author contributions: Suárez M, Martínez R, and Santiago-Ramos PC participated in the design, editing and data collection of the manuscript; Suárez M, Martínez R, and Santiago-Ramos PC contributed to the review of the literature and writing. All authors have reviewed and approved the paper.
Informed consent statement: Informed written consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
CARE Checklist (2016) statement: The authors have read the CARE Checklist (2016), and the manuscript was prepared and revised according to the CARE Checklist (2016).
Open Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Miguel Suárez, MD, PhD, Associate Chief Physician, Department of Gastroenterology, Virgen de la Luz Hospital, Hermandad Donantes De Sangre, Cuenca 16002, Castille-La Mancha, Spain. msuarezmatias@sescam.jccm.es
Received: June 13, 2025 Revised: July 9, 2025 Accepted: September 11, 2025 Published online: November 6, 2025 Processing time: 139 Days and 9.9 Hours
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Post-polypectomy syndrome (PPS) is a rare but relevant complication of endoscopic colorectal polyp removal. Although its course is usually benign, it may conceal more severe conditions. This case report presents several complications resulting from a colorectal polypectomy.
CASE SUMMARY
We report the case of a 67-year-old man who presented with asthenia and abdominal discomfort after a scheduled polypectomy. The patient was initially diagnosed with PPS and managed conservatively. However, progressive clinical deterioration led to hospital admission. Imaging revealed a right-sided intra-abdominal abscess secondary to colonic perforation. The initial polyp was identified as a subepithelial lipoma. The patient underwent successful percutaneous drainage, antibiotic therapy, and recovered without the need for surgical intervention.
CONCLUSION
This case highlights the importance of accurate endoscopic diagnosis and technique selection. PPS should not preclude the consideration of concurrent complications. Early identification and a tailored therapeutic approach can prevent major surgical procedures and improve patient outcomes.
Core Tip: Although therapeutic colonoscopy is generally safe, it may be associated with significant complications. This case illustrates how post-polypectomy syndrome can mask a colonic perforation with subsequent abscess formation. It emphasizes the importance of an accurate initial endoscopic assessment, the use of advanced resection and closure techniques, and close clinical follow-up. Recognizing this spectrum of complications and intervening early can help prevent major surgical procedures and improve patient outcomes.
