Laparoscopic resection of a primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenoma: report of a case

Primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystic tumors are extremely rare, and although their histogenesis is still uncertain, several theories have been proposed. Traditionally, transabdominal laparotomy and enucleation of the cyst is the treatment of choice and laparoscopic resection has not previously been reported. This paper presents the case of a 48-year-old woman in whom a primary retroperitoneal cystic mass, 15 x 13 x 9 cm in size, was successfully resected through the laparoscope. Pathological examination revealed a mucinous cystadenoma with borderline malignancy. The patient had a prompt recovery and there was no evidence of recurrence at her 8-month follow-up. However, the prevention of cystic fluid spillage during laparoscopic manipulation is important, especially when the pathology of the retroperitoneal cyst is unclear.