Abdominal lymphatic malformations in children: case series

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Vascular Malformations
• Congenital Abnormalities

Background:

• Lymphatic Malformations (LMs) are benign congenital anomalies of the lymphatic system.
• Abdominal LMs, particularly in the mesentery and omentum, are common in pediatric patients.
• Current management strategies for pediatric abdominal LMs lack a standardized approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diagnosis and management of abdominal Lymphatic Malformations in children.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of different treatment modalities for pediatric abdominal LMs.
• To highlight the importance of individualized treatment plans for these benign malformations.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series of 7 pediatric patients with abdominal Lymphatic Malformations.
• Diagnostic tools included abdominal ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
• Laparoscopy was utilized for diagnostic purposes in select cases.

Main Results:

• Patients ranged from newborn to 14 years old, with incidental diagnosis or presentation due to abdominal pain.
• Treatments comprised conservative management (1), laparoscopic excision (3), and laparotomic excision (3).
• Recurrence was noted in one case, requiring integrated treatment; bowel obstruction occurred post-excision in another.

Conclusions:

• Abdominal Lymphatic Malformations in children present a management challenge due to varied presentations and outcomes.
• Treatment goals focus on maintaining organ function, aesthetic integrity, and complication control.
• An individualized approach, tailored to each patient's specific condition, is crucial for optimal management.