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Laparoscopic Duodenum-Preserving Pancreatic Head Resection via Inferior Infracolic Approach: A Surgical Approach for Benign Lesions
Published on: February 9, 2024
[Congenital cysts of the pancreas. A case report]
E Maiullari1, S Vinardi, P Magro
1Divisione di Chirurgia Pediatrica B, Ospedale Infangile Regina Margherita, Azienda Ospedaliera OIRM-S. Anna, Torino.
Insights
Congenital pancreatic cysts are rare in children, making preoperative diagnosis difficult. Surgical removal is key for diagnosis and complete resolution of this benign condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Congenital pancreatic cysts are exceptionally rare pediatric conditions.
- Preoperative diagnosis poses significant challenges due to nonspecific symptoms and imaging findings.
Observation:
- A 15-month-old female presented with a large abdominal mass but normal hematochemical markers.
- Imaging studies suggested several possibilities, including mesenteric or ovarian cysts, intestinal duplication, or pancreatic cyst.
Findings:
- Surgical exploration confirmed a congenital pancreatic cyst.
- Analysis of cyst fluid revealed elevated amylase and lipase, confirming the diagnosis.
- Complete surgical excision resulted in full recovery.
Implications:
- This case highlights the diagnostic difficulties of congenital pancreatic cysts in infants.
- Surgery serves a dual role in diagnosis and definitive treatment for these rare lesions.
- Complete resection is the recommended therapeutic approach for benign pancreatic cysts.
Abstract:
The authors report a clinical case of congenital cyst of the pancreas occurred in a female aged 15 months. They stress how this pathology is particularly rare in pediatric age (only 22 cases in the literature) and how it is extremely difficult to formulate a preoperative diagnosis. The young patient was in good general condition with an enormous abdominal tumefaction and without alterations of hematochemical markers. Echographic and tomographic patterns led to four diagnostic hypotheses: a) mesenteric cyst; b) left ovarian cyst or compound ovarian tumor; c) intestinal duplication; d) pancreatic cyst. Only after surgery a correct diagnosis was formulated (on the basis of the topographic position and the intracystic content of amylase and lipase) and a complete resolution of this pathology was obtained. Surgery therefore has the double function of formulating a correct diagnosis and allowing the complete resolution of this pathology. The complete surgical removal of the mass, in view of the benignity of this lesion, is the therapeutic goal.
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