Mesenteric Cyst

Abstract

Introduction: Mesenteric cysts are infrequent and present as cystic (lymphagiomas), solid (lipomatous, desmoid) or mixed lesions. In general, the group of symptoms is secondary to the involvement of neighboring organs.

Objective: To present a patient who underwent surgery for a mesentery cyst in the province of Cienfuegos.

Case presentation: The case is presented of a 56-year-old white female patient who went for consultation and reported that, 3 days before, she had begun to present colicky abdominal pain, vomiting and abdominal distension, which increased over the hours, and that she had not been passing gas or defecating for 2 days. Physical examination revealed signs of slight dehydration, as well as a distended, tympanic, painful abdomen with generalized peritoneal reaction and a painful tumor in the hypogastrium. Rectal examination was performed, during which hypotonic rectal sphincter was palpated, empty rectal ampulla, while no tumor was found within the reach of the finger. Additional tests were indicated and an intraabdominal tumor was diagnosed. The patient underwent emergency surgery and a mesentery cyst was found in the laparotomy, which was completely excised; and, after 6 months of surgery, the patient had a favorable evolution.

Conclusions: Mesentery cysts, when complicated, can be the cause of acute abdomen, since their diagnosis is difficult and mostly occurs during the operative act; therefore, their total exceresis provides the lowest rate of recurrence and mortality.