Postoperative toxic shock syndrome: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Toxic shock syndrome is a rare and potentially lethal postoperative complication. The recognition of this disorder can be delayed by the fact that the offending wounds in postoperative toxic shock syndrome are classically benign in appearance. The infrequency with which this syndrome is encountered can also prolong the interval between the onset of symptoms and institution of effective therapy. A case of toxic shock syndrome complicating an abdominoplasty performed at the Plastic Surgery Service of Walter Reed Army Medical Center is presented, and the literature available on toxic shock syndrome in the postoperative patient is discussed.