Intraabdominal and Retroperitoneal Lymphangiomas in Adults: Report of Six Cases

Abstract

This study retrospectively reviewed the clinical features of intraabdominal and retroperitoneal lymphangiomas. We also evaluated the preoperative diagnosis, radiological features, surgical treatment and outcome of these rare tumors. Between 2001 and 2006, six patients underwent surgical resection of abdominal lymphangioma. The clinicopathological data were collected and the patients medical records, operative notes and pathology reports were reviewed. The age at diagnosis ranged from 22 to 57 years. The main clinical symptoms were abdominal distension (n=2), flank pain (n=2) and tenesmus (n=1). One patient was asymptomatic and incidentally detected during the laparotomy. The male-to-female ratio was 1:1. The abdominal lymphangiomas occurred in the mesentery (n=2), retroperitoneum (n=2), jejunum (n=1) and spleen (n=1). All six patients underwent complete surgical resection with or without organ resection, and there was no recurrence at a mean follow-up of two years (ranged from two months to 4.5 years). Adult type abdominal lymphangiomas are benign and indolent. They develop during fetal life and have a chronic history, and thus may present later in adulthood. A complete resection is suggested after the diagnosis is established, and gives a favorable prognosis.