Mesenteric cyst of the descending colon: report of a case

Abstract

Mesenteric cysts are rare benign, lesions that are discovered accidentally or during the management of one of their complications (torsion, rupture, haemorrhage, obstruction of nearby organs). We present the case of a 56-year old female patient, with a mesenteric cyst of the descending colon, discovered accidentally during a routine gynaecological examination. Preoperative evaluation included U/S scan, IVP, CT scan and MRI scan. She underwent exploratory laparotomy and the cyst was enucleated intact. Postoperative period was uneventful and pathological examination showed a benign mesenteric lymphangioma. The patient is free of symptoms on 1-year follow-up. We also review the literature.