A case of giant cyst of the mesentery
Pulvino, G.; Al Mureden, N.; Poletti, A.; Sacco, T.; Casapulla, S.
Annali Italiani di Chirurgia 53(4): 425-434
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-469X PMID: 7052294 Document Number: 176238
The case of a giant mesenteric cyst in a 74-yr-old patient is described. The origins of giant mesenteric cysts and their rarity were discussed; 1 case was encountered at a hospital 13,000 laparotomies over 35 yr. The anatomopathological characteristics of the cyst were described. The symptomology is often nonspecific and the diagnosis is accidentally made in the course of an operation or autopsy. Functional disturbances include vague pains, laborious digestion, nausea, vomiting, constipation and diarrhea. Peculiar characteristics of mesenteric cysts are: palpability of the mass, prevalence of a seat in the paraumbilical region, independence from the hypochondriac and pelvic organs, and its great mobility in a transverse direction. The need for a radiologic examination was stressed, including direct examination of the abdomen, cholecystography, urography and laparoscopy. Surgical removal is the only treatment.