Abstract
Congenital cystic lesions arising in the omentum are a rare finding in the paediatric age group. They are difficult to diagnose preoperatively as they have few distinct features; the diagnosis is often confirmed only at lalaparotomy. They are thought to arise due to a developmental abnormality of the lymphatic system. Two cases are presented and the literature reviewed. The treatment of choice is complete resection. Long-term follow-up is unnecessary due to their benign nature.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Caropreso P (1974) Mesenteric cysts: a review. Arch Surg 108: 242–246
Chou YH, Tiu CM, Lui WY, Chang T (1991) Mesenteric and omental cysts: an ultrasonographic and clinical study of 15 patients. Gastrointest Radiol 16: 311–314
Colodny AH (1986) Mesenteric and omental cysts. In: Welch KJ, Randolph JG, Ravitch MM, O'Neill JA, Rowe MI (eds) Pediatric surgery, 4th edn. Year Book Medical Publishers Inc., Chicago
Fiedorek SC, Gopalakrishna GS, Bloss RS (1986) Giant omental cysts presenting as pseudoascites in children. Tex Med 82: 42–45
Hebra A, Brown MF, McGeehin KM, Ross AJ (1993) Mesenteric, omental and retroperitoneal cysts in children: a clinical study of 22 cases. South Med 86: 173–176
Lawrence RA, Putnam TC, Webb SR (1992) Omental cysts: presentation in an infant with jaundice and increasing abdominal girth. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 15: 97–99
Liebermann-Meffert D (1990) Historical images and ideas about the greater omentum. I In: Goldsmith HS (ed) The omentum: research and clinical applications. Springer, New York
Samson R, Pasternak BM (1979) Current status of surgery of the omentum. Surg Gynecol Obstet 149: 437–444
Sprague NF (1960) Mesenteric cysts. Am J Surg 26: 42–49
Waldschmidt J (1983) Pathological conditions, specific investigations and therapy. In: Liebermann-Meffert D, White H (eds) Diseases of the omentum: congenital abnormalities and paediatric disease. Springer, New York
Walker AR, Putnam TC (1973) Omental, mesenteric and retroperitoneal cysts: a clinical study of 33 new cases. Ann Surg 178: 13–19
Walker FC (1963) The protective function of the greater omentum. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 33: 282
Walsh DB, Williams G (1971) Surgical biopsy studies of omental and peritoneal nodules. Br J Surg 58: 428–433
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Henry, G.M., Kern, I.B. & Currie, B.G. Omental cysts: an unusual cause of abdominal distension in children. Pediatr Surg Int 11, 387–389 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00497820
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00497820