Acute abdominal conditions in mesenteric lymphangioma.

Mesenteric lymphangiomas are rare benign tumors that occur in the abdominal cavity attached to the mesentery of the small or large bowel. They are no longer believed to be neoplasms, but may be a result of congenital failure of the original lymphaticovenous system. I have reported four cases of mesenteric lymphangioma causing an acute abdominal condition. Segmental resection of the intestine and the cystic mass was done in all patients, and all recovered uneventfully. There were no postoperative complications or recurrences.