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Retroperitoneal, mesenteric, and omental cysts.
Archives of Surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|July 1, 1984
Summary
Retroperitoneal, mesenteric, and omental cysts are rare abdominal tumors originating from ectopic lymphatic tissue. Diagnosis involves imaging, with surgical enucleation being the preferred treatment for these benign conditions.
Area of Science:
- Abdominal Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Retroperitoneal, mesenteric, and omental cysts are uncommon abdominal neoplasms, affecting approximately 1 in 105,000 inpatients.
- Their pathogenesis is linked to ectopic lymphatic tissue, leading to cyst formation in the retroperitoneum, mesentery, or omentum.
Observation:
- These cysts can manifest as chronic abdominal pain, a palpable abdominal mass, or acute abdominal symptoms.
- Physical examination may reveal a compressible abdominal mass, with mobility varying based on cyst location (transverse for retroperitoneal/mesenteric, free for omental).
Findings:
- Abdominal computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound are key diagnostic tools.
- Gastrointestinal (GI) series, barium enema, and intravenous pyelogram help rule out other gastrointestinal and genitourinary pathologies.
Implications:
- Surgical enucleation is the primary treatment, with potential need for adjacent bowel resection in select cases.
- Modern surgical techniques and follow-up minimize morbidity and mortality, ensuring favorable patient outcomes.