Laparoscopic Resection for Lymphangioma Originating From Small Intestine: A Case Report

Abstract

Background Lymphangioma originating from the small intestinal wall is a very rare finding. There have been only 15 case reports on the disease. Here, we report a case of lymphangioma in the small intestine that was resected laparoscopically. We also provide a literature review. Case Presentation A 37-year-old man came to our hospital with a chief complaint of abdominal pain. Physical examination showed mild tenderness in the lower abdomen, but rebound tenderness or guarding was absent. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan showed local poor enhancement in distal ileum, suggesting the possibility of mucous necrosis. Conservative therapy was started. On the eighth hospital day, although his abdominal symptoms improved, a follow-up computed tomography scan showed no improvement in the distal ileum lesion. Laparoscopic tumor resection was performed. The patient's postoperative course was unremarkable, and he was discharged on postoperative day 7. The pathologic result of the surgical specimen was lymphangioma of the ileum. The patient is still alive with no sign of recurrence 19 months after surgery. Conclusion Lymphangioma originating in the small intestinal wall is a very rare disease. Laparoscopic resection seems to be a preferable method for surgery.