A mesenteric cyst is an uncommon ailment that can affect practically any abdominal quadrant in its presentation. They may turn up as an accidental discovery. Although there are a number of hypotheses explaining the genesis of these cysts, the exact etiology is unknown. A 70-year-old female patient came to see us complaining of abdominal pain for a month and had trouble passing stools for 15 days. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography was done for the patient, which revealed a heterogeneously enhancing mass lesion in the abdominal cavity. The patient was then taken for an exploratory laparotomy procedure. To make the procedure thorough and easy, intraoperative partial drainage of the cyst fluid was carried out. We were able to observe the margins of the mesenteric cyst more easily as the partial drainage was carried out. The partial drainage decreased the volume and size of the mesenteric cyst, reducing the pressure effect on the surrounding structures and allowing easy mobilization of the intraabdominal structures during intraoperative examinations. The partial drainage of the cystic fluid also made the dissection process safer. After releasing all adhesions, the cyst was delivered outside and sent for histopathological analysis. The histopathological reports confirmed it to be a mesenteric cyst. The aim of this article is to educate the readers and to make fellow surgeons well aware of this condition. This will not only help fellow clinicians in better diagnosis and treatment but also help in the reduction of the overall burden of the healthcare society by reducing mortality and morbidity.
Keywords: cyst; exploratory laparotomy; mesenteric cyst; mesentery; partial drainage.
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