Retroperitoneal Cyst Treated by Laparoscopic Fenestration: A Case Report

Abstract

A 25-year-old female patient was referred to our hospital because of abdominal pain and an intrapelvic cystic tumor. The cystic lesion was located just under the abdominal wall and the tumor appeared to arise from the left ovary. The patient underwent laparoscopic surgery, which revealed that the tumor was a retroperitoneal cyst. Because the cyst wall was extremely thin, complete excision of the tumor was difficult; thus, laparoscopic fenestration was alternatively performed. A total of 150 mL clear yellow serous fluid was drained; cytology was negative for malignancy. Postoperatively, she conceived and delivered an infant. No recurrence of the tumor was observed. Most retroperitoneal tumors are generally solid and rarely present as a cystic lesion. Complete excision of the tumor is recommended due to the possibility of malignancy. Fenestration of the cyst is also an accepted choice of treatment for cases in which complete excision is difficult and diagnostic imaging studies show no signs of malignancy. Even though retroperitoneal cysts can be safely excised laparoscopically, laparoscopic surgery does not remain a standard treatment for retroperitoneal cysts. Here, we report a case of the retroperitoneal cyst presenting as an intrapelvic cystic tumor. Gynecologists also unexpectedly encounter retroperitoneal cysts because it is difficult to differentiate retroperitoneal cysts from ovarian cysts in some cases. Gynecologists must consider retroperitoneal cysts as a differential diagnosis of intrapelvic cystic tumors and be cognizant of the therapeutic strategies for retroperitoneal cysts.