Primary neoplasms of the small bowel

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Oncology
• Abdominal Surgery

Background:

• Neoplasms of the small intestine are rare but can cause significant morbidity.
• Symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, constipation, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Complications such as perforation and obstruction occur in a notable percentage of patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the treatment and outcomes of patients with benign and malignant small intestine neoplasms.
• To identify common symptoms and complications associated with these tumors.
• To analyze the types and efficacy of surgical interventions.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 42 patients (31 malignant, 11 benign) with small intestine neoplasms.
• Analysis of presenting symptoms, diagnostic methods, surgical procedures, and patient follow-up.
• Categorization of tumor types, including leiomyoma, lymphoma, adenocarcinoma, carcinoid, and leiomyosarcoma.

Main Results:

• Abdominal pain was the most frequent symptom; intestinal obstruction occurred in 31% of patients.
• Benign neoplasms (leiomyoma) were all treated curatively with resection and anastomosis.
• Malignant tumors (predominantly lymphoma) had varied outcomes; 18/31 achieved curative resection, while 13/24 followed-up patients died.

Conclusions:

• Surgical management is crucial for both benign and malignant small intestine neoplasms.
• Early diagnosis and intervention are vital for improving patient prognosis.
• Lymphoma is the most prevalent malignant small intestine tumor, necessitating tailored treatment strategies.