[Retroperitoneal chylous cyst]

In pathology, cysts of the retroperitoneum are usually classified together with omental and mesenteric cysts. Because of risk of complications and malignancy these cysts should be extirpated. The frequency of complications and recurrence after surgery is significantly higher for retroperitoneal cysts than for the other types mentioned above. We describe a patient with a retroperitoneal chylous cyst of three litres. Correct diagnosis was made by CT-scan and chemical analysis of cyst fluid prior to surgery. The cyst was removed completely using an intercostal, retroperitoneal approach. The postoperative course was uneventful, and no evidence of recurrence was found after six months.