Abstract
We have experienced treating a rare case of lymphangioma that occurred in the inguinal canal continuous to the retroperitoneal space through the internal inguinal ring. The patient was a 5-year-old female who developed a right groin bulge. She was referred to our institution with suspicion of right inguinal hernia. Imaging studies demonstrated a multicystic tumor in the inguinal canal continuous to the abdominal cavity through the internal inguinal ring. These findings led to a diagnosis of lymphangioma and an operation was performed with laparoscopic assistance. The retroperitoneal cystic mass was attached to the round ligament of the uterus and it was slipping into the inguinal canal with the retraction of the inguinal lesion. We performed en bloc excision of the connected tumor from the inguinal canal. The histopathological analysis of the excised tumor confirmed the diagnosis of lymphangioma, which requires a complete resection to prevent relapse. Regarding the decision to perform complete resection, accurate diagnosis and operation assisted by laparoscopy are useful in such a case.
