A Case of Intussusception Due to Cecal Lymphangioma

Abstract

A 34-year-old woman with the complaint of abdominal pain was admitted to our hospital. Abdominal CT revealed findings suggestive of intussusception of the ileocecal portion of the intestine into the ascending colon. No tumor lesions were observed. Endoscopy revealed reddening of the surface of the leading part of the intussusception in the ascending colon. We considered that the intussusception was caused by inflammation or a submucosal tumor in the terminal ileum. We tried to reduce the intussusception by air insufflation via the endoscope, but were unsuccessful. Therefore, we performed emergency surgery, whereupon we discovered that the intussusception from the terminal ileum to the ascending colon had resolved itself. We observed no abnormal redness of the serosal surface of the ileum or colon. We found a cecal mass on palpation and performed an ileocecal resection. The tumor was diagnosed as a cavernous lymphangioma of the cecum. The patient's postoperative course was good and she was discharged on postoperative day 6. Laparoscopic observation alone is often inadequate to decide on the appropriate operative method. In particular, information is limited in emergency surgery, and careful consideration is required in choosing between emergency laparoscopic surgery and open surgery.