Single-centre results of treatment of retroperitoneal and mesenteric cystic lymphangiomas

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.