Laparoscopic transgastric resection of a gastric lipoma presenting as acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage

Abstract

A 71-year-old man was admitted to the emergency unit with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, due to a gastric lipoma, which was controlled with conservative measures. Endoscopy and computed tomography revealed a 4-cm submucosal mass located in the posterior wall of gastric antrum. The patient underwent an elective laparoscopic transgastric resection of the lipoma and discharged on postoperative day 6. Gastric lipomas are uncommon tumors that can be incidentally found. They produce symptoms similar to peptic ulcer disease and can lead to obstruction. Gastric lipomas, which may lead to life-threatening complications such as bleeding, can be safely and reliably treated by laparoscopic transgastric resection. Copyright © 2005 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.