[Mesenteric cysts in Denmark in 1980-86].

On the basis of a material of mesenteric cysts from a period of six years in all Denmark, the symptomatology, diagnosis and treatment of mesenteric cysts (MC) are described. These cysts are rare: approximately one par 130,000 somatic admissions. Mesenteric cysts may be encountered along the entire gastro-intestinal canal from the duodenum to the rectum but are, however, most frequent in the mesentery of the small intestine. The symptoms were variable and depended upon the site, mobility, tension on the mesentery, the complications and, to a lesser extent, on the size. Ultrasonic scanning was the most important diagnostic aid. 5% of the cysts contained chyle and up to one third of these are stated to be malignant. Computed tomographic scanning is recommended preoperative as the density can reveal whether the content is chylous. Enucleation of mesenteric cysts would be attempted but, in cases of large cysts which prove difficult to resect, internal marsupialization may be employed. Material with low frequencies of recurrence and few complications have been presented employing this therapeutic method.