[Mesenteric cyst. A review]

The mesenteric cyst is a tumor of multiple origins, that undoubtedly presents with greater frequency than that referred in published series. Nevertheless, it continues to be a rare entity. Due to absence of characteristic signs and symptoms, diagnosis is only made once these lesions have reached a size, sufficiently large to be palpable or when they cause compression on organs or neighboring structures. The cyst can present with chronic manifestations such as diffuse abdominal pain imprecisely located but associated with palpable mass, or due to complications of the cyst or due to compression of adjacent structures. Diagnosis is confirmed by imaging studies, such as the different ultrasound modalities, computed tomography (CT) scan, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A differential diagnosis must be made to exclude other intra-abdominal or retro-peritoneal tumors. Optimum treatment is extirpation of the cyst. On occasion it is also necessary to remove the adjacent organ due to the impossibility of enucleating cyst. marsupialization of the cyst or drainage into peritoneal cavity, have high incidence of recurrence. Surgical treatment can be carried out by minimal invasion techniques.