TWO CASES OF ENDOMETRIOSIS OF THE SIGMOID COLON

We experienced two cases of endometriosis of the sigmoid colon with completely different morphology. Case 1: A 47-year-old woman was seen at the hospital because of shortness of breath. Barium enema study showed an elevated lesion of the sigmoid colon. Colonoscopy revealed an elavated lesion like a submucosal tumor. So we suspected a submucosal tumor and operated on. Intraoperative frozen section diagnosis was made as endometriosis of the sigmoid colon and a low anterior resection was carried out. case 2: A 39-year-old woman was seen at the hospital because of narrow stool and constipation. Barium enema study showed severe whole-circumferential stenosis of the sigmoid colon. Colonoscopy also showed the severe stenosis, but the mucosa was intact. So we suspected a diffuse cancer or endometriosis and operated on. After endometrial tissue in the region was confirmed by an intraoperative histopathologic study, a sigmoidectomy was carried out. Both two patients has good postoperative recovery, and have been followed up by gynecologists. For undiagnosed patients with such submucosal tumor or colonic stenosis, the intraoperative frozen section should be done to make the definite diagnosis by entertaining the disease as a probable differential diagnosis, and we have to minimize the resection area.