Schloffer's tumor: Case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION: The so-called Schloffer tumor (ST) is a rare inflammatory pseudotumor. It usually appears several years after abdominal surgery or trauma. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 32-year-old man was referred to our hospital complaining of a painful mass in the left hypochondrium, postprandial distension and a weight loss of about 14 kg. He had had a left inguinal hernioplasty without mesh the previous year. Ultrasonography of the abdomen showed a 2 cm × 2 cm hypoechoic lesion in contact with the abdominal wall. Computerized tomography of the abdomen showed a heterogeneous mass in the great omentum. Laparoscopic exploration revealed an omental mass firmly attached to the abdominal wall. A great deal of purulent fluid spread during the procedure. Due to the difficult exploration, the procedure converted to hand assisted laparoscopy. We find an omental tumor involving the stomach and the transverse colon. Inside the mass there were purulent material and non-absorbable sutures. A drain was left inside the cavity of the abscess. Histological examination showed chronic inflammation. DISCUSSION: ST characteristically presents a central chronic abscess containing non-absorbable sutures. It has been described after appendectomy, hernioplasty, hysterectomy, gastrectomy or colonic resections. Although benign, its progressive growth and infiltrating behavior resemble malignant tumors. CONCLUSION: We suggest that a mini-invasive approach should always be performed. The interesting thing about this case is the appearance of the tumor in a place far away from the previous surgical site. A simple drainage and removal of suture material solves the problem of these patients.