Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for cystic lymphangioma of the right mesocolon: a case report Open Access

Abstract

A 67-year-old man presented with an abdominal mass and was diagnosed with a mesenteric cyst based on imaging studies. The cyst was extensively located within the mesentery of the ascending colon; however, complete resection was deemed feasible by dissecting along the right margin of the superior mesenteric vein. A laparoscopic right hemicolectomy was planned and successfully performed, despite the technical challenge posed by adhesive fascial scarring. Thorough preoperative evaluation allowed for safe and complete resection using a minimally invasive approach.

Introduction

Lymphangiomas are relatively rare benign tumors considered to result from malformations of the lymphatic drainage system, and they predominantly present in childhood [1]. These cystic tumors most commonly occur in the head, neck, and axillary regions of pediatric patients, where they are often asymptomatic and discovered incidentally [2]. Occurrence in the mediastinum, retroperitoneum, or abdominal cavity—where they may appear as mesenteric cysts—is uncommon. In adults, intra-abdominal lymphangiomas of unknown origin are particularly rare, accounting for ~1 in 100 000 hospital admissions [3]. The condition is reported to be more frequent in males, with a male-to-female ratio ranging from 1.5:1 to 3:1. To date, fewer than 200 cases of mesenteric lymphangiomas have been reported in the literature. Here, we report a rare case of a right mesocolic lymphangioma that was successfully resected laparoscopically.

Case presentation

A 67-year-old man was referred to our institution with a primary complaint of an abdominal mass, without associated gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain or diarrhea. On physical examination, a non-tender palpable mass was detected in the right upper quadrant.

Laboratory investigations, including complete blood count and biochemical analyses, were within normal limits. Although the soluble interleukin-2 receptor level was elevated, tumor markers such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19–9 (CA 19–9), and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC) were within normal ranges. Colonoscopy and barium enema revealed colonic diverticula but showed no evidence of obstruction or malignancy.

Computed tomography (CT) revealed cystic lesions located in the mesentery of the right colon, without apparent connection to the gastrointestinal tract (Fig. 1). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the presence of multiple non-enhancing cystic lesions (Fig. 2). Radiological findings suggested that the cysts were confined to the mesentery of the ascending colon, delineated by the ileocolic artery and vein (ICA/V), the right margin of the superior mesenteric vein (SMV), and the right branch of the middle colic artery (MCA-rt) and accessory right colic vein (aRCV).

A laparoscopic right hemicolectomy was performed. The mesentery was incised caudal to the ICA, and dissection proceeded along the fusion fascia, allowing preservation of the duodenum. In accordance with the preoperative plan, the involved mesentery was resected by ligating the ICA/V, incising along the right margin of the SMV, and dividing the aRCV (Fig. 3). Although dissection was challenging due to fibrotic, scar-like changes in the fascia—likely a result of chronic inflammation surrounding the cyst—the procedure was completed as planned, including mobilization of the hepatic flexure and lateral attachments. Considering potential impairment of blood supply from mesenteric resection, bowel transection and functional end-to-end anastomosis were performed.

Postoperatively, gastric decompression was continued until postoperative day (POD) 2 due to concern about duodenal handling. Oral intake was initiated on POD 5, and the patient was discharged without complications on POD 9.

Histopathological examination (Fig. 4) revealed multiple cysts of varying sizes within the mesentery. The cyst lumens were smooth and lacked solid or enhancing components. The lining consisted of a sparse single layer of flat to cuboidal cells. The cyst walls contained mature smooth muscle with mild lymphocytic infiltration and lymphoid follicle formation. There was minimal nuclear atypia, and no malignant features were observed. Immunohistochemically, the cyst-lining cells were negative for calretinin and CD34. D2–40 staining showed focal but inconsistent positivity (Supplementary Fig. 1). These findings were suggestive of mesenteric lymphangiomatosis.

Discussion

Mesenteric lymphatic cysts were first formally described by Rokitansky [4]. Lymphangiomas are believed to result from impaired lymphatic drainage, either due to congenital malformations or acquired factors. These lesions typically present as multifocal cysts filled with lymphatic fluid. Histologically, lymphangiomas are classified into three main types: capillary, cavernous, and cystic. While capillary and cavernous types often present as cutaneous lesions, the cystic type commonly occurs within the abdominal or retroperitoneal cavities [5].

Several theories have been proposed regarding their etiology. One suggests that cystic lymphangiomas arise from the proliferation and dilation of blind-ended lymphatic sacs that fail to connect with the venous system during embryologic development [6]. Other proposed causes include developmental anomalies, trauma, previous abdominal surgeries, radiation exposure, lymphatic obstruction, or chronic inflammation. However, these theories remain speculative, as neither intraoperative findings nor pathological analyses in most cases—including ours—have confirmed such mechanisms [7].

Due to the rarity of colonic lymphangiomas, there is no consensus regarding optimal management. Treatment strategies are typically guided by factors such as the lesion’s location, size, growth rate, and presence of symptoms [8]. These lesions may grow progressively and may involve or compress adjacent structures, potentially leading to complications [8]. While malignant transformation is not commonly associated with lymphangiomas, malignancy should always be considered in the differential diagnosis, particularly when imaging findings are atypical or the lesion is large [9].

In our case, the patient presented with an abdominal mass, and although we could not determine the growth rate, imaging showed multiple cysts occupying the right mesocolon. Given the size, location, and potential for further expansion, surgical resection was considered appropriate.

Complete surgical resection is the most commonly recommended treatment. Recurrence, when reported, is usually attributed to incomplete resection or regrowth of residual tissue, rather than true recurrence or metastasis as seen in malignant tumors [10]. In this case, preoperative imaging—CT and MRI—suggested that complete resection would be possible by applying the principles of complete mesocolic excision. When the relationship between the cystic lesion and surrounding vessels can be clearly visualized preoperatively, laparoscopic resection is feasible. Care must be taken to avoid rupture or incomplete resection, especially since other differential diagnoses—such as cystic mucinous adenoma or cystic mesothelioma—may present similarly. An additional intraoperative consideration is the fusion fascia, which may appear fibrotic or scar-like, as observed in our case, thereby complicating dissection.

In conclusion, although mesocolic lymphangiomas are rare and resection cases are infrequently reported, our experience demonstrates that complete laparoscopic excision is feasible when preoperative imaging enables a clear understanding of vascular anatomy and lesion boundaries.

Author contributions

AY, RT, and EO performed the surgery. AY, RT, MY, HY, YM, TY, EO, KU, and YM performed the investigation and critically revised the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Conflict of interest statement

We declare no conflicts of interest related to this report.

Funding

None declared.

Data availability

Data sharing is not applicable to this article because no datasets were generated or analyzed.

Consent for publication

The patient provided informed consent for the publication of this case report.

References