LAPAROSCOPIC RESECTION OF A MESENTERIC CYSTIC LYMPHANGIOMA

Mesenteric cysts are uncommon lesions interesting surgeons above all for frequently difficulties in the preoperative diagnosis. CASE REPORT: A 51 years old man was evaluated for recurrent episodes of abdominal pain. The physical exam revealed a voluminous mass in the right abdominal quadrant. The CT scan diagnosed a cystic tumor measuring 8 cm in diameter apparently in relationship with pancreatic uncinate process and duodenum. The biological exams were in normal range. An endoscopic ultrasound exam with transduodenal puncture failed to differentiate to a pancreatic cystic tumor (pseudocyst, cystadenoma). A laparoscopic resection was then performed. The histology was typical for a cystic lymphangioma. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the third postoperative day. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic approach is a useful and feasible technique to perform the resection of abdominal lymphangioma.