Peritoneal inclusion cyst presenting as an umbilical hernia: case report and systematic review of the literature

Abstract Peritoneal inclusion cysts (PICs) are a rare and benign condition of uncertain pathogenesis. The fluid-filled, mesothelial-lined cysts manifest within the abdominopelvic cavity. This case report details an unusual occurrence of a 97 mm PIC- presenting as an umbilical hernia- in a 26-year-old male patient with no prior surgical history. Following pre-operative cross-sectional imaging, this was managed through open excision without complication. A systematic review of the literature highlighted 30 previous cases 26F, 4M with a mean age of 34 years (std ±15.4) and a median diameter of 93 mm IQR, 109 mm. A total of 53% (n = 16) of cases had a history of previous abdominal surgery. Surgical excision is safe and laparoscopic modality should be considered (1% recurrence). Accepting the limited evidence base, image guided drainage should be avoided (50% recurrence, n = 2).