Intraoperative Enteroscopy: A Rare Case of Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome and a Rare Complication of Cyanoacrylate Glue

• Published in: Cureus 2024, Vol.16 (4), p.e58655-e58655
• Main Authors: Lekamalage, Binura Buwaneka Wijesinghe, Duncan-Were, Lucinda, Llewelyn, John, McGouran, David, Mafi, Daniel, Smith, Barnaby, Rossaak, Jeremy
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58655

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is a rare disorder characterized by venous malformations predominantly affecting the skin and gastrointestinal tract, commonly the small bowel. Small bowel gastrointestinal bleeding is often the presenting complaint and is difficult to diagnose and treat. Push enteroscopy, capsule endoscopy, and intraoperative enteroscopy are techniques described for the localization and management of small bowel bleeding. We present the case of a 68-year-old male with BRBNS who presented with symptomatic anemia and melena. Initial endoscopic evaluations identified intraluminal vascular blebs, which were injected; however, bleeding continued, prompting intraoperative enteroscopy. During the procedure, multiple small bowel vascular malformations consistent with BRBNS were identified. Cyanoacrylate glue was used endoscopically to treat active bleeding sites. The patient developed a rare postoperative complication of small bowel ischemia and obstruction secondary to cyanoacrylate glue, necessitating surgical resection. Small bowel bleeding in BRBNS poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Intraoperative enteroscopy together with cyanoacrylate glue offers a valuable approach to localization and intervention. While cyanoacrylate glue is generally considered safe, rare complications, including ischemic events, have been reported. This case highlights the utility of intraoperative enteroscopy and endoscopic cyanoacrylate glue in managing small bowel bleeding associated with BRBNS. While effective, clinicians must be vigilant regarding potential complications, including ischemic events, associated with endoscopic hemostatic agents.