Zhao T, Jia XR, Li KJ, Zheng WF, Liu XJ. Colitis cystica profunda diagnosed by laparoscopic excision: A case report and review of literature. World J Gastrointest Surg 2026; 18(2): 114137 [DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v18.i2.114137]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Xue-Jin Liu, MD, Chief Physician, Director, Department of Gastroenterology, Zhoukou Central Hospital Affiliated to Henan Medical University, No. 26 East Section of Renmin Road, Chuanhui District, Zhoukou 466000, Henan Province, China. liuxuejin1976@163.com
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Gastroenterology & Hepatology
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Case Report
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Feb 27, 2026 (publication date) through Feb 26, 2026
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World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery
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1948-9366
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Zhao T, Jia XR, Li KJ, Zheng WF, Liu XJ. Colitis cystica profunda diagnosed by laparoscopic excision: A case report and review of literature. World J Gastrointest Surg 2026; 18(2): 114137 [DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v18.i2.114137]
World J Gastrointest Surg. Feb 27, 2026; 18(2): 114137 Published online Feb 27, 2026. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v18.i2.114137
Colitis cystica profunda diagnosed by laparoscopic excision: A case report and review of literature
Tong Zhao, Xian-Ru Jia, Kai-Jiang Li, Wen-Feng Zheng, Xue-Jin Liu
Tong Zhao, Xian-Ru Jia, Kai-Jiang Li, Wen-Feng Zheng, Xue-Jin Liu, Department of Gastroenterology, Zhoukou Central Hospital Affiliated to Henan Medical University, Zhoukou 466000, Henan Province, China
Co-first authors: Tong Zhao and Xian-Ru Jia.
Author contributions: Zhao T and Jia XR contributed to manuscript writing and editing, and data collection, and they contributed equally to this manuscript and are co-first authors; Zhao T, Li KJ and Zheng WF contributed to data analysis; Liu XJ contributed to conceptualization and supervision. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
Informed consent statement: Informed written consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this report and any accompanying images.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
CARE Checklist (2016) statement: The authors have read the CARE Checklist (2016), and the manuscript was prepared and revised according to the CARE Checklist (2016).
Corresponding author: Xue-Jin Liu, MD, Chief Physician, Director, Department of Gastroenterology, Zhoukou Central Hospital Affiliated to Henan Medical University, No. 26 East Section of Renmin Road, Chuanhui District, Zhoukou 466000, Henan Province, China. liuxuejin1976@163.com
Received: September 15, 2025 Revised: November 11, 2025 Accepted: December 29, 2025 Published online: February 27, 2026 Processing time: 165 Days and 19.4 Hours
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Colitis cystica profunda (CCP) is a rare condition with multiple cystic lesions in the mucosal/submucosal layers, predominantly involving the rectum and sigmoid colon. Its etiology remains unclear, with mucinous neoplasms and polyps as major differential diagnoses. Nonspecific imaging and clinical manifestations make preoperative diagnosis challenging (most confirmed postoperatively). This report summarizes reported cases, adds a new one, and compares it with 106 prior cases to enhance understanding of its features, diagnosis and management.
CASE SUMMARY
Herein, we report a 32-year-old man with a history of colonoscopy detection of two submucosal colonic elevations (20 cm and 18 cm from the anal verge) 2 weeks ago, without any disturbing symptoms. Endorectal ultrasound showed two cystic masses in the sigmoid’s intrinsic muscular and submucosal layers. Computed tomography showed rectosigmoid thickening. We performed a laparoscopic operation to remove the lump. Final pathology was diagnosed with CCP. The patient was discharged five days later and had follow-up visits with no signs of relapse for a period of 3 months.
CONCLUSION
CCP is rare and the clinical symptoms are not typical, and pre-operative diagnosis is difficult. Histopathology is required for definitive diagnosis. Surgical excision is widely reported as the surgical treatment of choice for CCP.
Core Tip: Colitis cystica profunda is a rare, benign but easily misdiagnosed cystic mucin-filled lesion that favors the recto-sigmoid wall, may be clinically silent or masquerade as mucinous neoplasm, and can only be confidently distinguished from malignancy by histopathologic examination of the fully excised specimen, so complete surgical removal and thorough pathologic assessment remain the cornerstone of management.
