Leiomyoma of the rectum
Le Borgne, J.; Guiberteau-Canfrere, V.; Lehur, P.A.; Bitar, O.; Serraz, H.; Thoulouzan, E.; Le Bodic, M.F.
Chirurgie; Memoires de l'Academie de Chirurgie 119(4): 212-215
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-4001 PMID: 7805479 Document Number: 409905
Most of the 150 leiomyomas of the rectum reported since 1872 were no larger than 5 cm. The authors report 3 new observations of leiomyomas of the rectum measuring more than 5 cm. The diagnosis of leiomyoma is difficult. The physical examination and rectoscopy suggest a submucal tumour of the rectum and endoendoscopy helps, describe the relations with the urogenital tract and the sphincters. Due to the lack of distinctive pathology features of malignancy, a leiomyosarcoma cannot be totally eliminated. The prognosis is uncertain due to the rate of relapse and the short follow-up (less than one year) in the previously reported cases. A slow spontaneous clinical course is however possible. The treatment goal is complete surgical removal. While local exeresis is indicated in tumours less than 5 cm in size, echo-guided endorectal protectomy with or without amputation of the sphincter should be discussed for larger tumours.