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Laparoscopic Choledochal Cyst Excision and Roux-en-Y Choledochojejunostomy in Adults
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Published on: February 28, 2025

Mesenteric cyst: an unusual cause of recurrent abdominal pain in a child

Ibukun Adewumi Okunade1, Nora Binalaifa Biu2, Oluwole Dapo Adeogun2

  • 1Department of Family Medicine, Bowen University Iwo, Iwo, Nigeria. ibukun.okunade@bowen.edu.ng.

BMC Pediatrics
|June 16, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Mesenteric cysts, rare intra-abdominal swellings in children, can present with non-specific symptoms. Prompt diagnosis and surgical excision are crucial for effective management and preventing recurrence.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Abdominal Imaging
  • Gastrointestinal Pathology

Background:

  • Mesenteric cysts are uncommon intra-abdominal masses in children.
  • Presentations are often non-specific, mimicking other conditions like hernias.
  • Early diagnosis and management are essential due to potential complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of mesenteric cyst in a pediatric patient.
  • To highlight diagnostic challenges and management strategies.
  • To emphasize the importance of considering rare diagnoses in persistent abdominal pain.

Main Methods:

  • Case presentation of a 5-year-old female with chronic abdominal pain.
  • Initial misdiagnosis and management for umbilical hernia.
  • Diagnostic workup including imaging studies.
  • Surgical management involving complete excision and intestinal reconstruction.

Main Results:

  • A freely mobile soft mass was identified in the right lumbar region.
  • Imaging confirmed the presence of a mesenteric cyst.
  • Successful complete excision of the mass with segmental jejunal resection and anastomosis was performed.
  • The patient showed no signs of recurrence post-surgery.

Conclusions:

  • Mesenteric cysts require high clinical suspicion in pediatric patients with recurrent abdominal pain.
  • Accurate diagnosis through imaging is vital.
  • Surgical excision is the definitive treatment, leading to favorable outcomes.

Keywords:
Abdominal MassChildCyst ExcisionDiagnosisDifferentialIntra-abdominalCystMesenteric CystPaediatric SurgeryRecurrent Abdominal Pain

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