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A colonic submucosal lipoma presenting with recurrent intestinal obstruction attacks
Stephen Boyce1, Yuet Peng Khor
1Western General Hospital, Colorectal Unit, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK.
BMJ Case Reports
|June 21, 2011
Summary
Colonic submucosal lipomas, rare benign tumors, can cause serious complications like obstruction. This case highlights the need for clear management guidelines to prevent adverse outcomes from these incidentally discovered polyps.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Colonic submucosal lipomas are uncommon benign neoplasms.
- They are often found incidentally during colonoscopy or CT imaging.
- Potential complications include bleeding, intussusception, and bowel obstruction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of colonic submucosal lipoma leading to intussusception and obstruction.
- To emphasize the importance of appropriate management for these lesions.
- To advocate for the development of clinical guidelines for lipoma management.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a patient with a colonic submucosal lipoma.
- Review of clinical presentation, diagnostic methods (colonoscopy, CT), and surgical intervention.
- Discussion of the natural history and potential complications.
Main Results:
- A small submucosal lipoma, initially identified during colonoscopy, was managed conservatively.
- The patient later presented with intussusception and bowel obstruction due to the lipoma, necessitating urgent surgery.
- This case illustrates a delayed complication from an untreated colonic lipoma.
Conclusions:
- Colonic submucosal lipomas, though rare, can lead to significant morbidity.
- Increased detection rates due to advanced imaging necessitate clear management strategies.
- Development of guidelines is crucial to prevent complications and ensure optimal patient care.
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