A Case of a Mesenteric Schwannoma Successfully Treated by Laparoscopic Surgery

Abstract

We report a case of mesenteric schwannoma excised in laparoscopic surgery. A 53-year-old woman referred for epigastralgia was found in abdominal computed tomography (CT) and endoscopy to have a hard submucosal tumor on the horizontal duodenum. We preoperatively diagnosed gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) originating from the duodenum and conducted laparoscopic excision. The tumor was located in the small intestine mesentery and could be excised of tumor without partially resecting the jejunum. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells were diffusely positive for S-100 protein but negative for c-kit and CD34. These findings were compatible with a benign mesenteric schwannoma. The patient's postoperative course was satisfactory and no recurrence has occurred in the 12 months since surgery. Mesenteric schwannoma is relatively rare, so preoperative diagnosis may be difficult. Laparoscopic surgery is considered useful minimally invasive treatment for these tumors.