title: Laparoscopic resection of an intra-abdominal cystic mass: a cystic mesothelioma.
abstract: The clinical features of a patient with an intra-abdominal cystic mass do not lead to a specific diagnosis. Aspiration is usually ineffective because the mass recurs and cytologic investigation is often non-diagnostic. Conservative management is unsuccessful because symptoms often persist. Surgical management of cystic masses is required for definitive management and pathologic diagnosis. A laparoscopic approach to the diagnosis and treatment can provide essential anatomic information and a complete resection with minimal morbidity. A laparoscopic technique using 3 trocars and maintaining the integrity of the mass allows complete excision and removal of large intra-abdominal cystic masses as reported in a 43-year-old patient with a large intra-abdominal cystic mass identified as a benign cystic mesothelioma.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, McMaster University, St. Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, Ont.
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Birch
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D018261:Mesothelioma, Cystic / Q000601:surgery*; D010534:Peritoneal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed