[Endoscopic removal of large colonic lipomas]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Colonic lipomas are benign tumors that can cause symptoms like bleeding and obstruction.
• Historically, surgical resection was preferred for large lipomas due to risks of bleeding and perforation during endoscopy.

Observation:

• A novel endoscopic technique utilizing an endoloop (a nylon loop constricting the lipoma base) was employed.
• Two patients with large lipomas in the ascending colon were successfully treated with this method.

Findings:

• The endoloop technique facilitated the safe and effective endoscopic removal of large colonic lipomas.
• This approach mitigated the risks of bleeding and perforation typically associated with endoscopic removal of large lesions.

Implications:

• Endoscopic endoloop removal should be considered a viable option for large pedunculated polyps and lipomas in the intestine.
• This technique offers a less invasive alternative to surgery for managing symptomatic colonic lipomas.