A colonic submucosal lipoma presenting with recurrent intestinal obstruction attacks

Colonic submucosal lipomas are rare benign tumours of the colon, which may be discovered incidentally at colonoscopy, through imaging such as CT or at autopsy. These tumours can cause complications such as bleeding, intussusception and bowel obstruction. We describe the case of a patient in whom a small submucosal lipoma was identified at the time of colonoscopy and who did not receive follow-up treatment. The patient presented 1 year later with intussusception and obstruction resulting from this polyp and required urgent surgery. With the increasing use of colonoscopy and CT, such lesions are likely to be discovered more often. As complications can ensue, guidelines should be developed to advise on the management of such polyps in order to prevent consequent complications.