Our Summary

This research paper is about a rare condition involving two unusual medical conditions. The first is Meckel’s diverticulum (MD), which is a small bulge in the intestine that is present from birth in about 2% of people. The second is a desmoid tumor, which is a rare type of non-cancerous tumor that grows rapidly in the muscular tissue. This tumor is unique and typically grows slowly without causing pain. However, in rare cases, it can lead to a blockage in the intestine which requires immediate medical attention. The researchers share the case of a 65-year-old man who came in with a blocked intestine, and they discovered he had both MD and a desmoid tumor. He successfully underwent surgery to remove the section of the intestine that was affected. The researchers recommend a team approach to treat such conditions, involving cancer surgeons, cancer physicians, and radiation specialists to develop a standard treatment plan.

FAQs

  1. What is Meckel’s diverticulum and how common is it in the population?
  2. What are the common presentations of desmoid tumors?
  3. What is the recommended approach for treating diseases like desmoid tumors in Meckel’s diverticulum?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about intestinal resection is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including taking prescribed medications, following dietary guidelines, and attending follow-up appointments. It is important to communicate any concerning symptoms or changes in health to your healthcare provider promptly. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and staying active can help promote healing and prevent complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended intestinal resection include those with:

  1. Intestinal obstruction: Patients with a blockage in their intestines due to tumors, strictures, adhesions, or other causes may require intestinal resection to remove the obstructing segment.

  2. Desmoid tumors: Desmoid tumors are rare but fast-growing tumors that can occur in the intestines. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor and affected portion of the intestine.

  3. Meckel’s diverticulum: Meckel’s diverticulum is a congenital malformation of the intestine that can sometimes lead to complications such as obstruction or inflammation. In some cases, surgical resection of the diverticulum may be recommended.

  4. Inflammatory bowel disease: Patients with severe cases of inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, may require intestinal resection to remove diseased portions of the intestine and alleviate symptoms.

Overall, patients who are experiencing symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, intestinal obstruction, or complications related to intestinal tumors or malformations may be recommended for intestinal resection surgery. It is important for these patients to be evaluated by a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.

Timeline

  • Patient may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits before diagnosis of intestinal obstruction
  • Diagnostic tests such as imaging studies (CT scan, MRI) and endoscopic procedures may be performed to confirm the presence of a desmoid tumor in association with Meckel’s diverticulum
  • Patient may undergo preoperative preparation and counseling before elective segmental resection surgery
  • Surgery is performed to remove the affected segment of the intestine containing the Meckel’s diverticulum and desmoid tumor
  • Postoperatively, patient may experience pain, discomfort, and temporary changes in bowel habits
  • Patient receives postoperative care and may be monitored for any potential complications or recurrence of desmoid tumor
  • Patient undergoes follow-up appointments with healthcare providers to assess recovery and long-term outcomes.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is an intestinal resection and why is it necessary in my case?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with intestinal resection?
  3. How long is the recovery process after intestinal resection and what can I expect during this time?
  4. Will I need any special dietary restrictions or lifestyle changes after the surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to intestinal resection that I should consider?
  6. How often will I need follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  7. What is the long-term outlook for my condition after intestinal resection?
  8. Will I need any additional treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, after the surgery?
  9. How experienced are you in performing intestinal resections and what is your success rate with this procedure?
  10. Can you provide me with any additional resources or information about intestinal resection and my specific condition?

Reference

Authors: Mundada AV, Tote D, Zade A. Journal: J Cancer Res Ther. 2022 Jul-Sep;18(4):880-884. doi: 10.4103/jcrt.JCRT_582_20. PMID: 36149135