Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery for a mesenteric teratoma.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Mature cystic teratomas are common germ cell tumors, typically found in gonadal sites.
• These neoplasms usually comprise ectodermal, endodermal, and mesodermal elements.
• Monodermal teratomas, composed of a single germ cell layer, are uncommon variants.

Observation:

• Extragonadal teratomas are rare, with mesenteric teratomas being exceptionally infrequent.
• Only 21 cases of mesenteric teratoma have been documented in the English literature.
• Preoperative diagnosis of mesenteric teratomas is challenging, necessitating pathological confirmation.

Findings:

• This study presents a rare case of a mesenteric monodermal teratoma.
• The case represents the first documented instance of a mesenteric teratoma managed with hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery.
• A comprehensive literature review on mesenteric teratomas was conducted.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of extragonadal teratoma presentation and management.
• The successful application of hand-assisted laparoscopy in this rare condition suggests its potential utility.
• Further research into minimally invasive approaches for rare teratomas is warranted.