Laparoscopically-Assisted Repair of a Small Bowel Perforation Secondary to Multiple Metastases of Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma

Abstract

We present a very rare case of a laparoscopically-assisted repair of a small bowel perforation secondary to multiple metastases of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma from the posterior mediastinum. A 46-year-old man presented with middle to upper abdominal pain during chemotherapy for lung metastases from undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. Computed tomography revealed intra-abdominal free air, and emergency laparoscopy was performed. Consequently, a perforation was detected in the jejunum, and partial jejunal resection was performed by mini-laparotomy. Pathological examination demonstrated an ulcerated tumor with perforation and four additional tumors in the resected jejunum. Pathological examination also revealed undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma in all five tumors. To our knowledge, our case is the first report of a laparoscopically-assisted repair of a small bowel perforation secondary to metastasis of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. Although the perforation site was unclear preoperatively, laparoscopic observation readily identified the lesion in this patient. Therefore, minimally invasive surgery could be performed successfully with mini-laparotomy following laparoscopic observation. Laparoscopic techniques for the small intestine are viable options, even in acute and uncommon situations, and small bowel perforation secondary to metastasis should be considered in patients with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma and acute abdomen.