Colonic lipomas: our experience in diagnosis and treatment

Tech Coloproctol. 2011 Oct:15 Suppl 1:S71-3. doi: 10.1007/s10151-011-0736-y.

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to present our experience in colonic lipomas.

Patients and methods: We present 4 patients (1 male, 3 females) of mean age 65.5 years (range, 61-72 years) treated for single colonic lipomas. The diameters of the lesions were 4.5, 4, 3.5 and 2.5 cm, respectively. In 3 cases, colonic lipomas were located within the cecum, while in one patient within the descending colon, proximally to the splenic flexure.

Results: Lipomas of diameter greater than 3 cm caused nonspecific symptoms. Lipomas of higher diameter were removed laparoscopically with colotomy; in two cases, the patients underwent open hemicolectomy, because of the suspicion of malignancy, while the smallest lesion was resected endoscopically, using a bipolar snare. All patients recovered without complications and remain healthy with no signs of recurrence.

Conclusion: In cases of ulcerated lipomas, greater than 3 cm of diameter, surgical resection is recommended.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Colonic Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Colonic Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lipoma / diagnosis
  • Lipoma / surgery*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged