Laparoscopic excision of an adult retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma coexisting with an esophageal hiatus hernia.

ABSTRACT

Lymphangiomas are rare cystic tumors that may be present in the retroperitoneum. Retroperitoneal lymphangiomas account for approximately 1% of all lymphangiomas. We experienced an adult patient with a retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma coexisting with an esophageal hiatus hernia. Abdominal ultrasonography showed a cyst in the abdomen of a 76-year-old woman. She was admitted to our clinic because of an enlargement of the cyst and epigastric pain after meals. She had a long history of heartburn after meals and had not undergone any treatment. She had no record of previous illnesses. Computed tomography revealed a single bunch cystic tumor with septations, located from the mediastinum to the retroperitoneal space. The tumor was not enhanced, and there was no solid part. She was diagnosed with a retroperitoneal cyst. Laparoscopic total excision was performed because the cyst was increasing in size and the patient had symptoms. The cyst was successfully removed. Although laparoscopic excision of retroperitoneal cystic lymphangiomas is the treatment of choice, surgical methods should be carefully chosen in selected patients.