Local excision of benign rectal schwannoma using rectal expander–assisted transanal endoscopic microsurgery

Abstract

Schwannoma is a benign tumor found occasionally in the subcutaneous tissue or the central nervous system1; it is uncommon in the gastrointestinal tract.2-5 Although it is easily detected as a submucosal tumor, definitive diagnosis is often difficult preoperatively. In some cases radical resection was performed as the tumor was thought to be malignant.6 Radical resection of a benign rectal schwannoma may cause substantial morbidity, as there may be resultant neural damage causing dysuria and/or impotence and colostomy may be needed.