[Cystic lymphangioma of the greater omentum appearing as an inguinal hernia in an 18-month-old child].

Cystic lymphangioma of greater omentum is an exceptional pathology: a world literature review in 1978 reported on only such cases. Preoperative diagnosis is actually impossible, due to the lack of pathognomonic symptoms or signs. A child 18-months-old was recently operated upon with diagnosis of hydrocele: surprisingly, at surgery we found an inguinal hernia containing a cystic lymphangioma of the greater omentum, histologically proved. A partial resection of the cystic omentum was successfully performed. An obstruction of the omental lymphatic drainage is the most reliable pathogenetic hypothesis.