Laparoscopic complete excision of a large retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma in an elderly patient: A case report

Abstract

Retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma (RCL) is an exceptionally rare benign tumor in adults, accounting for less than 1% of all lymphangiomas. Its non-specific clinical presentation makes pre-operative diagnosis challenging, often mimicking other cystic masses. Complete surgical excision is the gold standard treatment to prevent recurrence.We present the case of a 75-year-old female patient with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus who presented with chronic left lumbar pain. Imaging (CT and MRI) revealed a large 15x12x8 cm cystic mass in the left retroperitoneum, displacing the kidney and colon. Serum tumor markers were normal.The patient was managed by a complete laparoscopic excision of the mass. The procedure was successful, with meticulous dissection of the cyst from the ureter and kidney, and extraction using a