Laparoscopic excision of a retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma in an elderly patient.

ABSTRACT

A 68-year-old male patient was referred to our hospital due to protrusion and pain in the right iliac fossa. On physical examination a palpable oval tumor was found. Ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed a cystic mass in right iliac fossa. The tumor was successfully excised laparoscopically and histologically diagnosed as cystic lymphangioma. Retroperitoneal cystic lymphangiomas are rare lesions, most often seen in pediatric patients. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice because of its potential to grow and develop complications, especially due to mass effect. The laparoscopic approach is a safe and effective alternative for treatment of retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma in the elderly.