MESENTERIC CYSTS IN ADULTS

Abstract

Mesenteric cysts are uncommon intraabdominal tumors. The incidence of disease is between 1 per 100.000 and 290.000 general hospital admissions. They can occur anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract mesentery, although most commonly found in the small bowel mesentery. There are no pathognomonic signs or symptoms of the cysts. They may present with a partial intestinal obstruction associated with a palpable mass, rupture and hemorragia in the cyst. Between 1995 and 2002, 9 patients who underwent surgery for mesenter cysts were evaluated retrospectively. Sex, age, complaints, diagnostic modalities, location of cysts, surgical procedure and postoperative complications were evaluated. There were 7 females and 2 males and mean age was 52 years (Range 33 to 70). Presenting symptoms of 6 patients were abdominal pain and distention, 1 patient with gastrointestinal bleeding, 1 patient with constipation and 1 patient with acute abdomen, 7 patients had both abdominal ultrasonography and CT tests. 5 cysts were located in the colon mesentery, 4 cysts in the small bowel mesentery. 7 cysts underwent enucleation, 1 excision, 1 small bowel resection. The cysts ranged in size from 5x4x4 cm to 18x18x12 cm, with a mean of 12.4x10.9x9.2cm. There was 1 wound infection with no mortality. Enucleation of mesenteric cysts is effective and sufficient surgical modality.