Heterotopic ossification of the abdominal wall.

INTRODUCTION Heterotopic ossification is a rare, benign condition which occurs when bone develops in tissues that do not normally ossify. PRESENTATION OF CASE We herein report the case of a 73-year-old gentleman who underwent a laparotomy for a large splenic flexure tumour considered unresectable at initial intervention. Following delivery of chemotherapy, he was referred for a second opinion and the tumour with adjacent structures was removed at a subsequent laparotomy. A segment of abnormal hard tissue present in the abdominal wall was also excised. Histopathology revealed metaplastic bone deposition. DISCUSSION Heterotopic ossification may occur at various sites and is a recognised but exceedingly infrequent sequela of abdominal surgery. CONCLUSION This case highlights clinical, aetiological and histopathological features of this rare finding.