An unusual case of omental cyst is described. During a period of 3 yea
rs, a child was hospitalized seven times in five different hospitals f
or evaluation of ascites of unknown origin. Extensive and repetitive d
iagnostic workup did not reveal the cause of his problem, and recurren
t paracentesis improved his condition partially, but for very short pe
riods. A diagnostic laparoscopy, followed by explorative laparotomy, l
ed to the correct diagnosis and appropriate surgical treatment, with c
omplete relief of his complaints.