LAPAROSCOPIC RESECTION OF AN INTRAABDOMINAL CYSTIC MASS - A CYSTIC MESOTHELIOMA

The clinical features of a patient with an intra-abdominal cystic mass do not lead to a specific diagnosis. Aspiration is usually ineffectiv e because the mass recurs and cytologic investigation is often non-dia gnostic. Conservative management is unsuccessful because symptoms ofte n persist. Surgical management of cystic masses is required for defini tive management and pathologic diagnosis. A laparoscopic approach to t he diagnosis and treatment can provide essential anatomic information and a complete resection with minimal morbidity. A laparoscopic techni que using 3 trocars and maintaining the integrity of the mass allows c omplete 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.