Laparoscopic Intersphincteric Resection for Diffuse Cavernous Hemangioma of the Rectum

Abstract

Diffuse cavernous hemangioma of the rectum (DCHR) is a rare disease, and complete resection of the lesion remains the only curative treatment. Only a few cases of laparoscopic surgery for DCHR have been reported. A case of laparoscopic intersphincteric resection for DCHR occurring in a 48-year-old man with a chief complaint of bloody stools is presented. Colonoscopy showed mucosal redness and edema extending from the upper rectum to 1 cm above the dentate line. Computed tomography showed multiple foci of calcification and a thickened anorectal wall. Similarly, magnetic resonance imaging showed a thickened anorectal wall and dilated veins in the rectal wall. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with DCHR, and he consequently underwent laparoscopic intersphincteric resection. His postoperative course was uneventful, and he was discharged on the 13th postoperative day. Finally, closure of the colostomy was performed 4 months after the surgery, with no recurrence of bloody stools thus far (i.e., 2 year 5 months after surgery).