https://doi.org/10.4081/pmc.2025.348

Abdominal lymphatic malformations in children: case series

Vol. 47 No. 1 (2025)
Published: January 22 2025
Lymphatic malformations, abdominal surgery, children
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Authors

Carmine Noviello
carmine.noviello@unicampania.it
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9740-2505
Pediatric Surgery Unit, Department of Woman, Child, General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy.
Alfonso Papparella
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3846-7872
Pediatric Surgery Unit, Department of Woman, Child, General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy.
Mirko Bertozzi
Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
Giovanna Riccipetitoni
Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
Ilaria Cascone
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4001-6026
Pediatric Surgery Unit, Department of Woman, Child, General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy.
Carmine Botta
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3810-4986
Pediatric Surgery Unit, Department of Woman, Child, General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy.
Giulia Fusi
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3990-0618
Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
Veronica Vitali
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1675-9574
Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
Mercedes Romano
Pediatric Surgery Unit, Department of Woman, Child, General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy.

Lymphatic Malformations (LMs) are benign congenital malformations of the lymphatic system that commonly involve the abdomen in children (mesentery of the small intestine and omentum). The management of these malformations is not unique. 7 children with different ages (range: newborn to 14 years), diagnosis was incidental in some cases, while in others for abdominal pain. All patients underwent abdominal ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Laparoscopy for diagnosis was useful in 4 cases. Treatment was: conservative in 1 child, laparoscopic excision in 3 patients, laparotomic excision in 3 cases. At follow up we observed recurrence in a case that required integrated treatment and bowel occlusion after excision in 1 case. This benign malformations may not cause any symptoms to patient. The goal of treatment is to maintain organ function, preserve aesthetic integrity and complications control. Management of these patients could be varied: the best approach should be evaluated on the basis of the patient.

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Abdominal lymphatic malformations in children: case series. (2025). La Pediatria Medica E Chirurgica, 47(1). https://doi.org/10.4081/pmc.2025.348
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