B. Jakub Wilhelm, MD, Anai Hamasaki, MD, Leopoldo M. Baccaro, MD, Stanley Ogu, MD, Artun Aksade, MD, FACS

Easton Hospital, Department of Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine, Easton, Pennsylvania, USA (all authors).

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Lipomas of the intestinal tract are rare, but they present as the third most common cause of intestinal neoplasms. Most intestinal lipomas are asymptomatic. However, they may present with bleeding, obstruction, intussusception, or abdominal pain. Spontaneous expulsion of an intestinal lipoma is extremely rare and has never been reported in the postoperative period.

Case Description: We present the case of a 53-year-old male patient who underwent laparoscopic roux-en-Y gastric bypass. On postoperative day 4, the patient had a myocardial infarction and persistent abdominal discomfort. The spontaneous expulsion of an intestinal lipoma was observed on postoperative day 5, after which the patient instantly felt relief. In this case report, we provide a comprehensive literature review of intestinal lipomas, with their complications and management.

Discussion: Only a few spontaneous expulsions of intestinal lipomas have been described in the literature. This is the first reported case of a spontaneous expulsion in the immediate postoperative period or after a myocardial infarction. Intestinal lipomas may cause a variety of complications, including bleeding, obstruction, and intussusception. The likelihood of complications increases with size. The criteria for resection remain controversial, and a variety of technical methods have been described. Spontaneous rectal expulsion of giant intestinal lipomas without surgical or endoscopic manipulation is possible.

Conclusion: Intestinal lipomas are rare and either are asymptomatic or present with unspecific symptoms. A consensus on the clinical management of intestinal lipomas has not been established. Besides open surgery, laparoscopic and endoscopic treatment options are emerging.

Key Words: Lipoma, Laparoscopy, Postoperative complications, Intestinal diseases, Abdominal pain.

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