Left Hemicolectomy for Intussusception of the Transverse Colon Caused by a Giant Benign Lipoma

Abstract

Colocolonic intussusception, caused by submucosal lipomas, is extremely rare. These benign soft tissue tumours comprise mature adipocytes of mesenchymal origin. While the majority of patients with lipomas remain asymptomatic, large or giant size lipomas (>4 cm) have been shown to cause debilitating abdominal pain, alternating bowel pattern, and anaemia secondary to gastrointestinal blood loss. This necessitates intervention in the form of surgical resection or endoscopic removal. However, once lipomas increase beyond 2 cm in size there is a significant risk of complications with an endoscopic approach, and open surgery or laparoscopic resection with bowel re-anastomosis is warranted. In this case put forth, the patient underwent a successful transverse colectomy and primary anastomosis.