Keywords
Cystic lymphangioma; Abdomen; Children; Surgery
Abstract
Cystic Lymphangioma (CL) is a rare benign tumor of malformative etiology. It is seen mainly in children and sits at the neck and axilla. Abdominal localization is rare and representing only 10% of cases.
Aim: To study the clinical, radiological and therapeutic management of abdominal cystic lymphangioma.
Patients and methods: This is a retrospective study of seven cases of abdominal CL collected over a period of 11 years in the department of pediatric surgery, of the children’s hospital of Tunis. These are four boys and three girls with a mean age of 2 years 7 months. The diagnosis was made prenatally in only one case and in postnatal period in the remaining cases due to abdominal pain in 3 cases, an abdominal mass in 4 cases and an acute intestinal obstruction in 2 cases. The radiological diagnosis was made by abdominal ultrasound in 6 cases, and during surgical exploration in emergency in case of acute intestinal obstruction. All patients were operated. The localization of CL was the mesentery in four cases, the left meso-colon in one case, the spleen lodge in one case and the retro-peritoneum in a case. The lesion was totally removed in five cases and partially in 2 cases. The outcome was favorable in all cases outside of flange on occlusion occurred late postoperatively in one case and who has advanced medical treatment.
Conclusion: Abdominal cystic lymphangioma is a benign tumor malformation, preferably sitting in the mesentery. Surgical resection should be as complete as possible but without sacrifice of body, putting the patient free from complications and recurrences.
Citation
Khmekhem R, Rahay H, Ghorbel S, Jlidi S, Douira W and Bellagha I. Abdominal Cystic Lymphangioma- about Seven Cases. SM J Pediatr Surg. 2016; 2(5): 1029.