Mesenteric cysts.

Mesenteric cysts continue to be of special interest because of their diverse presentation and the lack of definitive diagnostic tests. Nine patients with mesenteric cysts were treated at St. Agnes Hospital between 1973 and 1984. The most common location was in small bowel mesentery (67%) followed by the mesocolon (33%). The mesenteric cysts were incidental findings in four of the nine patients (45%). Enucleation was the treatment of choice in eight patients (88%), followed by right hemicolectomy in one patient. Two patients had complications, one wound infection and one urinary tract infection. Simple enucleation has proven to be adequate treatment in most instances. Large bowel resection may be necessary when mesenteric cysts are located in the mesocolon and enucleation is not feasible without compromising the blood supply to the adjacent bowel.