Laparoscopic resection of a small bowel lipoma with incidental intussusception

Abstract

Background: Small bowel tumors are rare entities that often present with nonspecific symptoms. The diagnosis is more likely in patients with occult gastrointestinal bleeding of unknown origin or in adults with small bowel intussusception. Even with exhaustive diagnostic testing, small bowel tumors are often not diagnosed preoperatively. Because 60% to 70% of small bowel tumors are malignant, surgical excision is always recommended.

Methods: We report the case of a 73-year-old man with occult gastrointestinal bleeding. A small bowel tumor was discovered only after video capsule endoscopy, computed tomography, and multiple endoscopies were performed.

Results: The patient underwent laparoscopic exploration. An incidental intussusception made the tumor simple to identify. By extending the umbilical port, the tumor was easily removed. The final pathology demonstrated a submucosal lipoma.

Conclusions: Small bowel lipomas can cause intussusception and gastrointestinal bleeding. When diagnosed preoperatively, laparoscopic resection is feasible.

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