Postoperative toxic shock syndrome after lumbar laminectomy in a male patient.

OBJECTIVES

Postoperative toxic shock syndrome in a male patient who underwent a lumbar laminectomy has not been reported. This case report identifies a rare, and potentially fatal, postoperative complication.

RESULTS

Early diagnosis and aggressive medical management were successful in this patient and are the cornerstone of treatment in toxic shock syndrome.

CONCLUSION

Spine surgeons should consider postoperative toxic shock syndrome as a diagnosis in a patient with fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, and hypotension in the presence of a benign-appearing lumbar laminectomy wound.