Omphalomesenteric duct cyst

Omphalomesenteric Duct Cyst

File:Omphalomesenteric duct cyst.jpg

Illustration of an Omphalomesenteric Duct Cyst

The Omphalomesenteric Duct Cyst is a rare congenital anomaly that occurs during the embryonic development of the gastrointestinal tract. It is also known as Vitelline Duct Cyst or Meckel's Diverticulum Cyst.

Anatomy

The Omphalomesenteric duct, also known as the vitelline duct, is a structure that connects the midgut of the developing embryo to the yolk sac. In most cases, this duct obliterates by the seventh week of gestation. However, in some cases, the duct fails to obliterate completely, leading to the formation of an Omphalomesenteric Duct Cyst.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with an Omphalomesenteric Duct Cyst may present with abdominal pain, vomiting, and sometimes, intestinal obstruction. In some cases, the cyst may be asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during surgery or imaging studies.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of an Omphalomesenteric Duct Cyst is often made using imaging studies such as Ultrasound, Computed Tomography (CT) scan, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). In some cases, the diagnosis may be confirmed during surgery.

Treatment

The treatment of choice for an Omphalomesenteric Duct Cyst is surgical removal. This is usually done through a procedure known as Laparoscopy or Laparotomy, depending on the size and location of the cyst.

Prognosis

The prognosis for patients with an Omphalomesenteric Duct Cyst is generally good, especially if the cyst is detected and treated early. However, complications such as infection, perforation, and intestinal obstruction can occur if the cyst is not treated.

See Also

• Meckel's diverticulum
• Congenital anomalies of the gastrointestinal tract
• Laparoscopy
• Laparotomy