Successful Laparoscopy-Assisted Extirpation of Burkitt's Lymphoma Causing Intestinal Obstruction in a 17-Year-Old Boy

Background: Childhood extranodal B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are often caused by Burkitt's lymphoma (BL). Treatment usually involves intensive polychemotherapy, and recent prospective trials show significantly improved outcomes. Surgery primarily involves conducting biopsies; ablative interventions are not recommended. However, in cases of severe presentation, such as an acute abdomen, emergency surgery may be necessary. Methods: We present the case of a 17-year-old boy who underwent emergency surgery due to intestinal obstruction caused by a tumor mass. An exploratory laparoscopy was performed due to abdominal wall infiltrates, and a large intraabdominal mass was discovered in the ileocaecal region. The tumor and tumor infiltrates were successfully removed en bloc in a minimally invasive laparoscopy-assisted fashion. Results: The postoperative course was favorable, and chemotherapy was started. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of BL. Follow-up examinations, including a positron emission tomography (PET) scan, showed no tumor recurrence. More than two years later, the patient remains asymptomatic with negative PET scans. Conclusions: Laparoscopy-assisted removal can be useful for pediatric solid abdominal tumors with abdominal wall infiltrates that cause obstruction. Surgeons must assess indications and procedures based on imaging and findings during emergency interventions. The role of ablative MIS in pediatric BL is limited.