Laparoscopic excision of subdiaphragmatic bronchogenic cyst occurring in the retroperitoneum: report of a case

Although bronchogenic cysts (BCs) are benign congenital malformations usually occur in thoracic cavity, retroperitoneal location is extremely uncommon. We reported a case of BC occurred in the retroperitoneum, which was excised laparoscopically. A 64-year-old Japanese woman was admitted to the hospital because of submucosal tumor in the upper part of the stomach. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a submucosal tumor located just distal to the esophagogastric junction. The abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a cystic mass located in contact with lesser curvature of the stomach and the dorsal surface of the liver. As the cystic mass was well-circumscribed and showed no positive findings suggestive of malignancy, the laparoscopic excision of the cystic mass was performed. The cystic tumor was completely excised with a laparoscopic procedure. The histologic findings indicated that the cyst was surfaced by the ciliated pseudostratified epithelium without the presence of the cartilage, which was compatible with the BC of the retroperitoneum. This case highlights the safety and the feasibility of complete laparoscopic excision of retroperitoneal BC. Laparoscopic excision of retroperitoneal BC definitely provides all advantages of minimally invasive procedure, which improves postoperative patient discomfort and pain and shortens hospital stay. Laparoscopic procedure may definitely be a standard approach for the excision of retroperitoneal BC.