A case of fulminant portal pyemia complicating hemicolectomy for polyps: literature review and case report.

Introduction: Portal pyaemia is a rare phenomenon that can complicate a variety of pathologies and surgical procedures. It has a predilection for elderly and immunocompromised patients.

Discussion: We present a review of the related literature and report an exceptional case of fulminant portal pyaemia, with an atypical presentation in a patient with few typical risk factors, complicating an elective surgical procedure for benign disease.

Conclusion: Portal pyaemia is a condition which can lead to acute overwhelming sepsis and carries a high mortality. It should be considered a differential in abdominal sepsis when no overt abdominal source is found.