Mesenteric cyst: an unusual cause of recurrent abdominal pain in a child

Mesenteric cysts are a rare cause of intra-abdominal swellings in the paediatric age group. They are benign lesions with non-specific presentations ranging from incidental findings to features of an acute abdomen. The rarity of the condition and the non-specificity of its symptoms underscore the importance of adequate knowledge for prompt diagnosis and appropriate management. Here we present a 5-year-old preschooler from the Southeastern part of Nigeria with recurring abdominal pain of 3 years' duration. She was initially managed for symptomatic umbilical hernia and underwent herniorrhaphy. However, due to the persistence of her symptom, she was referred to the Paediatric Surgery Unit of the Teaching Hospital. Physical examination revealed a freely mobile soft mass in the right lumbar region, subsequently confirmed on imaging studies. She eventually had complete excision of the mass with a segmental jejunal resection and jejunojejunal anastomosis. The child is currently being followed up and has no evidence of recurrence.