A novel technique for the laparoscopic resection of mesenteric cysts

Mesenteric cysts are rare, invariably benign intraabdominal tumors. Optimal surgical management requires complete excision of these lesions. The advent of laparoscopic surgery has allowed resection of these cysts to be achieved without full laparotomy. However, laparoscopic resection necessitates drainage of the cyst within the abdomen to facilitate extraction of the cyst through the laparoscopic ports. This article describes a novel technique in which the cyst was partially aspirated as the initial surgical maneuver. This in turn allowed traction to be applied to the cyst wall, such that it could be drawn up into the epigastric port, to aid the further dissection and removal of the cyst from the peritoneal cavity.