Delayed postpolypectomy bleeding

Abstract

Complications of colonoscopic polypectomy include perforation, infection, and bleeding. The incidence of bleeding after polypectomy is reported to range from one to seven per 1000 polypectomies. This complication usually occurs within a few days after the standard procedure using bipolar electrocautery. The longest time interval between polypectomy and significant bleeding thus far reported is 14 days. Most cases of postpolypectomy bleeding are easily recognizable and can be effectively treated by colonoscopic electrocauterization. We report here a patient who underwent colonoscopic removal of a flat adenomatous polyp at the cecum and presented 29 days postprocedure with acute onset of severe bleeding from the polypectomy site. A repeat colonoscopy identified this lesion, and cauterization successfully stopped this bleeding.