2023 Volume 20 Issue 1 Pages 45-49
Bacterial translocation (BT) has several causes; however, in most cases BT depends on bowel obstruction, such as an ileus. Herein we present a case involving a patient who developed septicemia due to BT after surgery for colon cancer. An 88-year-old woman underwent bypass surgery between the small bowel and colon for an inoperative tumor. After surgery, her general condition was stable and her diet was restarted on postoperative day 4．On postoperative day 7, she suddenly developed a high fever ＞ 40℃ with blood pressure reductions. Septic shock was diagnosed, and Klebsiella oxytoca and Enterobacter cloacae were confirmed in peripheral blood specimens. Because there was no evidence of leakage peritonitis or other causes, BT was the most likely cause of the septic shock. After systemic therapy with antibiotics and vasopressor, her symptoms improved. There were no complications thereafter and she was discharged from the hospital in stable condition.
