Jejunal Enterotomy for Specimen Retrieval in D-LECS: A Case Report.
Kota Okuno, Hiroki Harada, Takuya Wada, Gen Kitahara, Shohei Fujita, Tadashi Higuchi, Mikiko Sakuraya, Koshi Kumagai, Yusuke Kumamoto, Takeshi Naitoh, Keishi Yamashita, Chika Kusano, Naoki Hiki
Abstract
Open AccessINTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery for duodenal tumors (D-LECS) combines endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) with laparoscopic reinforcement, offering a minimally invasive option for superficial non-ampullary duodenal tumors. However, oral retrieval of resected specimens may be difficult for large or firm tumors, risking fragmentation and compromised pathological assessment. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case involving a 42-year-old woman with a 40-mm villous tumor in the second portion of the duodenum. Due to the size of the tumor, D-LECS (ESD with laparoscopic reinforcement) was contemplated. After successful ESD, the specimen could not be retrieved orally due to non-passage through the pyloric ring. To preserve en bloc integrity, the specimen was advanced into the jejunum, and the jejunal loop was exteriorized through a small umbilical incision. An enterotomy was performed extracorporeally, allowing safe retrieval without contamination. The enterotomy was securely closed, and the patient recovered without complications. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates that jejunal exteriorization and controlled enterotomy is a safe and practical alternative in D-LECS when oral extraction is unfeasible, enabling accurate pathological evaluation while preserving minimally invasive benefits.