Successful endoscopic removal of a large colonic lipoma causing intussusception

A 73-year-old woman presented with symptoms of intermittent abdominal pain without hematochezia. Mild tenderness was noted on palpation over the right iliac fossa; however, all laboratory data, including the C-reactive protein level, were normal. Computed tomography revealed a fatty tissue mass in the transverse colon causing a colonic intussusception ([Fig. 1]). Colonoscopy revealed a large mass in the ascending colon ([Fig. 2]). Endoscopic ultrasonography revealed a hyperechoic mass in the submucosal layer ([Fig. 3]). On the contrast radiograph, the semipedunculated mass was seen to arise from the ileocecal valve; the intussusception was disinvaginated by inserting the colonoscope ([Fig. 4]). The diagnosis was ascending–transverse colonic intussusception caused by a large lipoma originating at the ileocecal valve.

Fig. 1 Computed tomography shows a fatty tissue mass (arrow) in the transverse colon that is causing a colonic intussusception.

Fig. 2 Colonoscopy shows a large, hyperemic, round mass occupy­ing more than 75 % of the lumen.

Fig. 3 Endoscopic ultrasonography shows a hyperechoic mass (arrows) in the submucosal layer.

Fig. 4 Contrast radiograph shows the large colonic mass to be semipedunculated.

Because of its shape, the endoscopic mucosal resection technique could be used to remove the lipoma without complications ([Fig. 5]). The lesion was captured with a snare (SD-210U-25; Olympus Medical Systems Corp., Tokyo, Japan) after saline had been injected. Electrocautery (forced coagulation) was applied to cut the lesion. The resected specimen was a large submucosal tumor, 55 × 30 × 22 mm in size, with a yellowish cut surface ([Fig. 6]). Histopathology indicated proliferating fat cells in the submucosal layer, and a lipoma was diagnosed. The patient was discharged from the hospital 5 days after treatment.

Fig. 5 The mass is removed endoscopically without perforation.

Fig. 6 The resected specimen is a large submucosal tumor, 55 × 30 × 22 mm in size, with a yellowish cut surface.

Lipomas are benign, nonepithelial tumors that occur throughout the gastrointestinal tract, but typically in the colon. Lipomas larger than 2 cm in diameter can cause intussusception, obstruction, or bleeding [1]. Although frequent in children, intestinal intussusception is unusual in adults. A colonic lipoma as the principal point for colonic intussusception is uncommon [2]. Endoscopic methods to remove ileocolonic lipoma have been reported previously [3] [4] [5] [6]. However, to our knowledge, the endoscopic removal of a lipoma causing a definite intussusception has not been reported. In previous case reports, most patients with colonic lipoma intussusception have undergone surgical treatment. Endoscopic removal, which is less invasive, may be another option for the treatment of large colonic lipomas.

Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_CPL_1AJ_2AD

Competing interests: None

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