Laparoscopic treatment of a huge cystic lymphangioma: partial aspiration technique with a spinal needle

A cystic lymphangioma is a rare intra-abdominal lesion. Treatment is a complete excision of the cyst because of complications and a rare chance of malignancy. In this paper we report on 2 patients with a huge cystic lymphangioma who were treated by laparoscopic surgery successfully. Each of the cysts were 13 and 11 cm in diameter, were diagnosed by ultrasonography and computed tomography scan. After partial aspiration of the cysts, using a spinal needle, we were prone to grasp the cysts without spillage. Traction and dissection were easy without spillage or injury of the mesenteric vessels. The laparoscopic approach can be successfully and safely performed by an experienced surgeon in keeping with oncologic principles.