Single-Centre Results of Treatment of Retroperitoneal and Mesenteric Cystic Lymphangiomas

Abstract

Background: Intra-abdominal cystic lymphangiomas are rare and usually present as benign large cystic masses. The treatment of choice of mesenteric and retroperitoneal cystic lymphangiomas is surgical resection. Methods: Seventeen adults, 11 male and 6 female, with a median age of 39 years were investigated. Presentation, treatment, and outcomes of the mesenteric and retroperitoneal cystic lymphangiomas were analyzed. Results: The most common symptom was abdominal pain. The median tumour size was 12.0 cm in diameter. Patients with retroperitoneal lymphangiomas were younger (p = 0.043). However, 4 out of 8 patients with the mesenteric type required bowel resection (p = 0.064). Magnetic resonance imaging allowed a good differentiation of cystic and septal structures. No postoperative complications occurred, but patients with mesenteric types had longer postoperative stays (7.0 vs. 13.5 days; p < 0.001). The long-term outcome of both groups was satisfactory. Conclusions: The surgical results were good with symptom relief. Bowel resection was common in mesenteric cystic lymphangiomas. Because of its higher resolution, magnetic resonance imaging is suggested.

Mesenteric cystic lymphangioma in adult: a case series and review of the literature

“…Surgical enucleation without damage to the blood supply of the bowel is also suggested, with the prognosis being generally favorable, but with increasing tumor size radical resection becomes more difficult and local recurrence more probable [12,13]. Infiltration of the intestine or involvement of the main branch of mesenteric arteries or adjacent organs necessitate segmental resection of the intestine [14] .…”

Mesenteric Lymphangioma in Adult: A Case Series with a Review of the Literature

“…Complete surgical removal is the treatment of choice, even if asymptomatic [34,35]. Resection of tumor is advised, even in pregnancy, if the lymphangioma becomes complicated [36].…”

Giant mesenteric cystic lymphangioma presenting with abdominal pain and masquerading as a gynecologic malignancy

“…In our case, the low Hounsfield units on CT scan raised suspicion of lymphangioma, a diagnosis supported by the MRI characteristics, particularly on the T2-weighed images. 8 However although imaging studies favored a benign cystic condition, it was important to consider that the patient might have a malignant mucinous tumor. Accordingly she was counseled preoperatively that if malignancy was found, an aggressive surgical approach would be warranted, potentially involving a multiorgan resection to achieve gross complete resection or a diverting colostomy.…”