Laparoscopic Removal of a Mesothelial Cyst of the Greater Omentum: Clinical Case

Introduction. Abdominal mesothelial cyst (AMC) is a type of mesenteric cysts of mesothelial origin. In patients with AMC and a history of diverticular disease, differential diagnosis is extremely difficult and requires the use of a correct diagnostic algorithm. Materials and methods. A case of a 39-year-old patient with a cystic mass of the greater omentum is presented. The preliminary diagnosis was made on the basis of an ultrasound examination and an abdominal CT scan with intravenous contrast. Results. The patient underwent a laparoscopic removal of the cystic mass of the greater omentum. The intraoperative findings confirmed the presence of a clearly defined cystic tumor originating from the greater omentum. The histologic study yielded the following macroscopic description: a thin-walled mass of gelatinous consistency, round in shape, and 8.5 cm in diameter. The outer surface was shiny and translucent, with a vascular pattern, a small amount of fatty tissue, and reddish-brown hemorrhages. The contents of the cyst were yellowish in color. The inner surface was translucent with white strands and a vascular pattern. The wall thickness varied from 0.1 to 0.3 cm. The microscopic description was as follows: fragments of adipose tissue with layers of fibrous tissue, that are lined with mesothelium in some areas. The morphology does not contradict the diagnosis of a cyst of the greater omentum. Discussion. The described clinical case demonstrated that in patients with AMC and a history of diverticular disease, differential diagnosis is extremely difficult and requires the use of a correct diagnostic algorithm. A thorough preoperative preparation and surgical risk assessment allowed a laparoscopic surgical procedure to be performed. Conclusion . The clinical case demonstrates that for such neoplasms, surgeons should give preference to laparoscopic access. It is also necessary to conduct a thorough differential diagnosis prior to surgery.