An unusual presentation of a mesenteric cyst of the sigmoid colon

Abstract

Summary A case of sigmoid mesenteric cyst presenting as an acute abdominal emergency is reported. The variable presentation and uncommon occurrence of these cysts are the main difficulties in pre-operative diagnosis.

Case report: elective removal of a large mesenteric cyst—our approach

“…[ 1 ]. Other possible symptoms can be suprapubic abdominal pain and back ache for 2 months [ 7 ] or 4 days duration of generalised abdominal pain that had moved to the RIF associated with diarrhoea and vomiting [ 8 ].…”

“…Investigations for sigmoid mesenteric cysts have previously included USS and CT [ 1 , 7 ]; while in one case the symptoms were so severe that no radiological investigations were performed and the patient was taken to theatre for laparotomy for suspected appendicitis [ 8 ].…”

“…The approach to managing mesenteric cysts vary in the literature. In the acute setting papers have suggested that laparotomy should be the method of choice [ 8 ] but more recently there has been a shift to favour a laparoscopic approach [ 1 ]. Various laparoscopic techniques have been reported, however, the optimal approach for the best outcome is still unknown due to the rarity of the condition.…”

“…In the case we described we found on histological examination that the cyst was a cystademona. In the reports that we found during our literature review the histological findings were a benign mucinous mesenteric cyst [ 7 ] and a benign lymphangioma [ 1 ] and a mesenteric cyst with a thin fibrous wall, showing early and mild acute inflammation [ 8 ].…”