Laparoscopic Excision of an Infected “Egg-shelled” Retroperitoneal Pseudocyst

Abstract

Primary retroperitoneal pseudocysts are rare entities. Though laparoscopic approach has been described in their treatment, open surgical excision is still the mainstay of treatment for these lesions. We present a case of infected retroperitoneal pseudocyst and its successful laparoscopic excision. The patient was an 80-year old female. Contrast enhanced CT scan of the abdomen and ultrasonography confirmed a large retroperitoneal cyst. Laparoscopic resection was accomplished after puncturing and decompressing the cyst. There were no complications or conversion. The operating time was 176 minutes. The patient was discharged 3 days after surgery. Histopathology revealed a pseudocyst. Retroperitoneal pseudocysts can be resected laparoscopically with careful and meticulous laparoscopic dissection, utilizing the advantages of laparoscopy.