[Abdominal cystic lymphangiomas and mesenteric cysts: the clinical considerations]

The authors present their experience about intra-abdominal lymphangiomas and mesenteric cysts. The histologic evidence shows that these lesions are different. An exact histologic diagnosis is important because lymphangiomas are more invasive and relapsing than mesenteric cysts. Of 8 cases founded at laparotomy, 6 were lymphangiomas and 2 mesenteric cysts. Larger lesions were caused by lymphangiomas (mean, 11 cm vs 6 cm) when compared with mesenteric cysts. Complete resection was possible in all 8 patients, without recurrence after a mean follow-up of 4 years.