McKittrick-Wheelock syndrome treated by laparoscopy: report of 3 cases.

AIM

To present 3 cases of secreting villous adenoma (McKittrick-Wheelock syndrome) successfully treated with laparoscopic surgery.

CASES

We present 3 cases, characterized by chronic diarrhea and requiring hospitalization owing to electrolyte and fluid depletion with acute renal failure. Owing to the extension and location of the adenomas, laparoscopic surgery (low anterior resection or procto-sigmoidectomy resection) was performed after medical treatment and endoscopic diagnosis. Postoperative recovery was satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONS

When colonoscopic resection is not feasible in cases of secreting villous adenomas owing to their size or location, laparoscopic surgery in expert hands is a safe, effective, and complete option, further enhanced by the benefits of minimally invasion surgery.