Laparoscopic Excision of a Huge Omental Cyst: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background/Purpose: Omental cysts are rare intra-abdominal pathology. The clinical presentation is variable. Physical examination commonly reveal a smooth, round, and mobile abdominal mass. Hematological and biochemical tests are usually unhelpful. Ultrasound and CT scan are the best diagnostic tools. The treatment of choice is the resection of the cyst, which is regularly performed by laparotomy. This paper reports a case of omental cyst successfully resected by laparoscopy with excellent outcome. Materials & Methods: We report a case of 10-year-old Saudi boy who presented with history of abdominal distention, in which laparoscopy aided in making a correct final diagnosis and the surgical management. Results: Pre-operative diagnostic work-up had revealed huge intra-abdominal cystic lesion of unknown origin. Aspiration of the cystic lesion improves his condition partially and temporarily. Extensive diagnostic workup did not reveal the etiology of his problem. Aspiration improved his condition partially but for a short period. Diagnostic laparoscopy led to the correct diagnosis and appropriate surgical treatment with complete relief of his complaint. Conclusion: This paper reports a case of omental cyst successfully resected by laparoscopy with excellent outcome.