Intra-abdominal lymphatic cysts in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Gastrointestinal Surgery
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Intra-abdominal lymphatic cysts are uncommon pediatric surgical conditions.
• These lesions represent a significant portion of intra-abdominal cystic pathologies in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report surgical outcomes for pediatric intra-abdominal lymphatic cysts.
• To highlight diagnostic challenges and management strategies for these rare entities.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series of ten pediatric patients operated for intra-abdominal lymphatic cysts over 8 years.
• Analysis of cyst location, presentation, diagnostic accuracy, and surgical techniques.

Main Results:

• Cysts occurred in the mesentery (50%), omentum (30%), and unusual sites (20%).
• Two cases presented as surgical emergencies; three were misdiagnosed as tuberculous ascites.
• Surgical management included complete excision or tube marsupialization, with no mortality or morbidity.

Conclusions:

• Intra-abdominal lymphatic cysts require prompt surgical intervention.
• Accurate preoperative diagnosis is crucial to avoid delayed treatment and complications.