Abstract
Introduction To study the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of mesenteric cysts in pediatric
age group (< 15 years).
Materials and Methods This was a retrospective analysis which inculded 35 children diagnosed and treated
for mesenteric cysts in the pediatric surgery department from January 2014 to January
2019. Patient’s data were retrieved from case sheets and analyzed. Patients with atleast
one year follow-up were included in the study.
Results Thirty-five patients were included in the study. Twenty-one (60%) were males and
fourteen (40%) were females. Mean age of presentation and surgery was 24 months. Twenty-six
(74.2%) patients were managed by bowel resection, while 9 (25.7%) were managed by
simple cystectomy. The average size of the cyst was 15 cm (ranging from 5 to 25 cm).
Content of cysts was mostly chylous (82.9% cases). No recurrence was found throughout
the follow-up period (1–2 years).
Conclusion Mesenteric cyst should be considered as a differential diagnosis in pediatric patients
with acute or subacute intestinal obstruction and with or without a palpable lump
in the abdomen. Mesenteric cysts can be managed surgically with favorable outcomes.
Keywords
mesenteric cyst - intestinal obstruction - chylolymphatic cyst
