Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
04:00
Laparoscopic Splenectomy with Pericardial Devascularization for Hypersplenism and Esophageal Variceal Hemorrhage Due to Portal Hypertension
Published on: November 15, 2024
A rare cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding
Amir Moussi1, Ramzi Nouira, Belgacem Bourguiba
1Service de Chirurgie Générale A, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, Tunis, Tunisia.
La Tunisie Medicale
|December 8, 2010
Summary
Colonic leiomyomas are rare benign tumors. This case highlights a colonic leiomyoma presenting as significant gastrointestinal bleeding, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis and differentiation from malignancy.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Colonic leiomyomas are uncommon benign smooth muscle neoplasms.
- Distinguishing leiomyomas from leiomyosarcomas is crucial due to differing prognoses.
Observation:
- A 71-year-old male presented with acute, severe rectal bleeding.
- Initial endoscopic evaluations were inconclusive for the bleeding source.
- Emergency surgery revealed an 8 cm tumor in the right colic angle.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination confirmed the tumor as a leiomyoma.
- The patient underwent a right hemicolectomy with an ileocolic anastomosis.
- Postoperative recovery was complicated by nosocomial pneumonia.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of surgical intervention for diagnosing obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Accurate histopathological assessment, including mitotic index, is vital for differentiating benign leiomyomas from malignant leiomyosarcomas.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for favorable outcomes in patients with colonic leiomyomas.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction
Esophageal varices are dilated, tortuous veins which are found mainly in the submucosa of the lower esophagus but which may also appear higher up or extend into the stomach. They develop due to increased pressure in the portal venous system, often as a result of liver cirrhosis. This condition scars and damages the liver, impeding normal blood flow through the portal vein. To compensate, blood seeks alternative pathways, forming fragile new vessels (varices) in the esophagus and stomach. These...
01:28Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
Esophageal varices often manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, presenting symptoms like hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hematochezia (passing fresh blood via the rectum), and melena (black, tarry stools). Other signs can include weight loss, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, pruritus, altered mental status, and muscle cramps.
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
01:27Peptic Ulcer
Peptic ulcers are erosive lesions of the gastric or duodenal lining, most commonly caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. This Gram-negative, helical bacterium has adapted to survive the stomach’s acidic environment by producing urease, which converts urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide. The ammonia neutralizes gastric acid in the bacterium’s immediate environment, allowing colonization of the gastric mucosa. H. pylori attaches to mucus-secreting epithelial cells, penetrates the mucus...
01:23Lower GI Series: Barium Enema
A Barium Enema, or a lower GI series, is a specialized radiographic examination designed to visualize the lower gastrointestinal tract, specifically the colon and rectum. This procedure is instrumental in diagnosing various conditions such as colorectal cancer, polyps, diverticulosis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Procedure Details
The examination begins by inserting a lubricated rectal tube into the patient's rectum to administer a radiopaque barium solution. The barium flow is carefully...
Procedure Details
The examination begins by inserting a lubricated rectal tube into the patient's rectum to administer a radiopaque barium solution. The barium flow is carefully...
01:30Other Disorders of Digestive System
The gastrointestinal tract is susceptible to various disorders. If the lower esophageal sphincter is damaged, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation of the lining. This condition is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (known as heartburn) and may cause chest pain and difficulty swallowing. In the stomach, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, chronic alcohol consumption, bacterial infections such as Helicobacter...