Mesenteric Cyst: A Case Report of a Rare Entity

Mesenteric cysts are rare entities of the abdominal cavity, typically benign, that originate within the mesenteric tissue of the gastrointestinal tract. Their occurrence in adults is extremely uncommon and rarely encountered in clinical practice. These lesions may occur at any site along the mesentery, most often in the small bowel mesentery, and their clinical presentation varies from incidental findings to symptomatic abdominal pain, distension, or acute complications. Preoperative diagnosis can be challenging due to nonspecific symptoms, but advances in imaging modalities such as CT and MRI have facilitated more accurate identification, characterization, and surgical planning. We report the case of a 63-year-old male who presented with isolated left-sided abdominal pain. Cross-sectional imaging demonstrated a 56 mm cystic lesion within the mesentery, located adjacent to the celiac trunk, a previously unreported site. The patient underwent elective laparoscopic excision of the cyst. The procedure was completed successfully without intraoperative or postoperative complications. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a benign mesothelial inclusion cyst. Mesenteric cysts require surgical excision as the treatment of choice, both to establish a definitive diagnosis and to prevent potential complications such as infection, hemorrhage, or obstruction. Minimally invasive approaches, including laparoscopy, have been shown to be safe and effective, offering shorter recovery times and reduced morbidity compared to open procedures. This case illustrates the clinical features, diagnostic pathway, and surgical management of a rare mesenteric cyst located near the celiac trunk, emphasizing the role of imaging and the role of laparoscopy for resection in unusual anatomical sites.