Surgical Management of Splenic Hydatidosis

Purpose. This study was conducted to evaluate the surgical management of splenic hydatidosis in an area where the disease is endemic. Method. Over a period of 16 years, 26 patients with splenic hydatidosis underwent surgery in our department. Preoperative investigations included plain abdominal X-ray, serology, ultrasonography, and computed tomography. Results. In our series, splenic hydatidosis represented 3.5% of total abdominal hydatidosis. The majority of patients presented with abdominal discomfort and palpable swelling in the left hypochondrium. Twenty-two patients were operated on electively and 4 as emergency cases, including 2 with ruptured hydatids and 2 with infected hydatids of the spleen. Isolated splenic hydatid cysts were present in 21 patients, associated liver hydatid cysts in 4, and diffuse abdominal hydatidosis in 1 patient. All patients underwent splenectomy except for one patient who initially had partial splenectomy for a lower polar cyst. This patient also ended up undergoing a splenectomy for postoperative hemorrhage. One patient died on the sixth postoperative day (mortality rate 3.8%) as a result of multiorgan failure, and 4 developed minor complications (morbidity 15.4%). Conclusion. Splenic hydatidosis, although rare, is the third most common type of hydatidosis after liver and lung hydatidosis. This entity should thus be kept in mind when encountering a splenic cyst especially in areas where the disease is endemic. A splenectomy remains the treatment of choice because it demonstrates low morbidity and mortality rates. Received: November 22, 2000 / Accepted: July 17, 2001     

Splenic Hydatid Cysts: 17 Cases

Hydatid cyst disease, which is endemically observed and an important health problem in our country, involves the spleen at a frequency ranking third following the liver and the lungs. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and results of management in splenic hydatid cysts. The demographic data, localization, diagnosis, treatment methods, and the length of postoperative hospital stay of patients with splenic hydatid cysts in a 12-year period were evaluated retrospectively. Seventeen cases were evaluated. Among these, 13 were females and four were males. Seven had solitary splenic involvement, eight had involvement of both the spleen and the liver, and two had multiple organ involvement. Ten had undergone splenectomy, one had undergone distal splenectomy, and the remaining cases had undergone different surgical procedures. The patients had received albendazole treatment in the pre- and postoperative period. One patient had died secondary to hypernatremia on the first postoperative day. The clinical picture in splenic hydatid cysts, which is seen rarely, is usually asymptomatic. The diagnosis is established by ultrasonography and abdominal CT. Although splenectomy is the standard mode of treatment, spleen-preserving methods may be used.     

Splenic complications of chronic pancreatitis. Clinical and experimental study

Splenic complications of chronic pancreatitis appear to be less exceptional than is usually accepted, particularly since preoperative diagnosis has been facilitated by ultrasound and abdominal scan imaging. Complications noted in 37 cases were: infarcts (2 cases), hematoma or false blood cysts (26 cases) and rupture (9 cases). The splenic infarcts were revealed by digestive hemorrhage, the false blood cysts of spleen by a painful mass in left hypochondrium associated with pleural effusion and rupture of spleen by an acute hemoperitoneum. Treatment included splenectomy in 19 cases, splenectomy caudal pancreatectomy in 17 cases and drainage of a splenic hematoma in one patient. Operative mortality was 16.2% and the long-term prognosis was poor and related to underlying condition. Data from an experimental study suggest that the effect of an episode of acute pancreatitis on the splenic pedicle is the most important physiopathologic factor. A hemorrhagic infarct or infarction of splenic parenchyma are common starting points for all clinicopathologic forms described.     

Splenic cysts and tumors: diagnosis and management

Cysts and tumors of the spleen are rare and are often discovered fortuitously. They are most often asymptomatic but may present with abdominal pain in the left upper quadrant. Splenic cysts are far more common than solid lesions; true cysts must be differentiated from pseudocysts of the pancreas and from cystic degeneration following splenic contusion or infarction. Cysts may be congenital (epidermoid cysts), infectious (abscess or hydatid cyst), or neoplastic (lymphangioma or angioma with tumor necrosis). Diagnosis can usually be established with the clinical context and imagery (ultrasound, CT, MRI). Surgery should be avoided for angiomas and pseudocysts. Spleen-conserving surgery is indicated for large symptomatic epidermoid cysts. Splenectomy is often required for hydatid cysts and tumors. Of the solid tumors, hemangiomas and lymphangiomas often have a characteristic fleshy appearance. For other solid tumors, whether benign or malignant, imaging may give some clues to the diagnosis, but diagnostic certitude often requires pathologic examination of the piece. Needle biopsy is contraindicated because of the risk of bleeding. Resection should be as limited as possible in order to avoid the risks of total splenectomy (overwhelming sepsis, thrombosis).     

Splenic cysts: aspiration, sclerosis, or resection

Percutaneous aspiration and tetracycline sclerosis is a safe but temporary therapy of large splenic cysts in children. Between 1985 and 1987, three girls with splenic cysts were seen. Their ages ranged from 5 to 14 years, and the cysts were from 8 to 16 cm in diameter. Despite their large size, all were asymptomatic and were discovered upon physical examination or ultrasound for unrelated conditions. All cysts were avascular by scan and had irregular crenated or smooth walls by ultrasound. Further investigation excluded infectious or parasitic causes. Each cyst was aspirated for diagnosis, and a pigtail catheter was inserted for drainage and sclerotherapy. All needle aspirations resulted in cyst collapse, but in one patient the pigtail catheter insertion was unsuccessful, and in the other two cases, multiple attempts of tetracycline sclerosis failed to obliterate the cysts. There were no other complications. Surgery for the recurrent splenic cysts was performed 3 months to 2 years following the percutaneous procedures. The two patients operated on with 3 months of aspiration underwent successful partial splenectomy and have normal splenic function by ultrasound scan, and absence of RBCs. The third patient had progression of the cystic disease throughout the spleen, and required splenectomy. Pathology confirmed multiseptate congenital mesothelial cysts in the first two patients and massive lymphangiomatosis in the third. In all three cases, percutaneous therapy was safe but did not result in long-term control. In one patient, the cystic disease progressed following sclerotherapy and may have influenced the need for complete splenectomy. Prior manipulation did not adversely affect the dissection and mobilization of the spleens.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Splenic epidermoid cyst: laparoscopic partial decapsulation

The splenic cysts are rare among all age groups and there are a few reports in the world literature. The splenic epidermoid cyst is a true congenital one, that can cause signs and symptoms, or suffer complications. For these reasons, some form of treatment is recommended. The management of splenic cysts continues to evolve. The standard treatment was splenectomy, but the knowledge about the immunologic function of the spleen and the existence of postesplenectomy mortal sepsis, have conduced most of pediatric surgeons to adopt techniques that preserves splenic tissue. The treatment by percutaneous drainage with injection of a sclerosing agent has complications and a significant recurrence rate. During the last two decades, preservation procedures such as partial splenectomy or partial cyst excision and omental packing have gained the preference of most pediatric surgeons. The second technique has advantages over the partial splenectomy. The possibility to perform the procedure by a laparoscopic approach add the advantages of this last technique. We present two patients with splenic epidermoid cyst treated by laparoscopic partial cyst decapsulation and review the literature.     

Splenic hydatic cyst. Observations upon 38 cases of splenic echinococcosis

15 patients with spleen hydatic cysts have been operated between 1986-1998, in percentage of 4.6% from the total number of hydatic cysts--8 females and 7 males with mean age of 44 years (17-70). They have been admitted for abdominal pain (66.6%) and at the clinical examination they presented a cystic tumor at the level of the spleen. In all the patients we performed splenectomy. In conclusion the hydatic cyst of the spleen is rare, but possible, the treatment being only surgical.     

Epidermoid splenic cyst presented as huge splenic abscess: a case report

Epidermoid splenic cysts are very rare. Symptoms emerge because of enlargement, infection, haemorrhage or rupture. Although splenectomy is indicated for large cysts, minimally invasive and preservation procedures, such as partial splenectomy or total cystectomy with splenorrhaphy, have been increasingly used during the last decade. We report herein the case of a 16-year old female presented with left upper abdominal quadrant pain, fever and abdominal distention treated in our department.     

Splenic cysts: changes in diagnosis,treatment and aetiological concepts.

Splenic cysts are generally considered as either true epidermoid cysts or false pseudocysts. The former are thought to be congenital while the latter are reputedly post-traumatic. However, a number of important features are common to both types of cysts and this classification may need revision. The recognition of the importance of the spleen, together with developments in imaging and operative surgery have led to significant changes in the management of splenic cysts. Accurate preoperative diagnosis and localisation together with increasing awareness of splenic conservation techniques should now ensure that, whenever possible, cysts can be eradicated without resort to total splenectomy. We present four patients who illustrate various aspects of this condition.     

Partial Splenectomy in the Management of Nonparasitic Splenic Cysts

Background  Recognition of the importance of the spleen in immunological function and the potential threat of severe postsplenectomy complications have led to the development of parenchyma-preserving surgical procedures. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of open splenic partial resection on the management of splenic cysts. Patients and methods  From April 2003 to June 2007, 11 patients with splenic cysts were evaluated. All patients fulfilled the criteria for surgical resection. Ten of the patients (6 women and 4 men) 15–42 years of age (mean: 26.4 years) were subjected to open partial splenectomy. In one patient, a centrally located splenic cyst was considered unsuitable for partial splenectomy, and the patient therefore underwent total spleen excision. Patients with splenic cysts constituted 3.8% of all 290 patients subjected to splenectomy during the study period. Spleen parenchyma was cut with the aid of a LigaSure instrument. Bleeding from the transected splenic parenchyma was secured with argon plasma coagulation and absorbable tape sutures or oxidized cellulose. Results  Nine of the ten patients underwent successful partial splenectomy. In one patient, insufficient arterial supply to the preserved splenic remnant after excision of the upper cyst-containing splenic pole led to total splenectomy. The mean operative time was 98 min (range: 85–160 min), and mean blood loss was 106 ml (55–200 ml). The mean cyst diameter was 9.1 cm (range: 7–17 cm) and weight was 738 g (range: 230–2,420 g). The postoperative course was uneventful in all cases. Pathological examination showed an epithelial cyst in 8 patients and a pseudocyst in 2. After a mean follow-up of 26.4 months, the size of the splenic remnant constituted, on average, 71% of preoperative spleen size. Moreover, normal splenic vein flow was observed. Platelet counts remained within the normal range, and no cyst recurrence was observed. There were no infections documented during the follow-up period. Conclusions  Open partial splenectomy is a safe and effective method in the management of nonparasitic splenic cysts. It ensures complete cyst removal, lack of cyst recurrence, and preservation of the spleen functions.     

Aortoiliac Reconstruction: The Retroperitoneal Approach and Splenic Injury

Exposure of the abdominal aorta through the left retroperitoneum is a well-accepted technique. Unfortunately, splenic injury is a complication of this approach that rarely occurs through a mid-line transabdominal incision. In this series we evaluate the occurrence of splenic injury during left retroperitoneal aortic surgery. The records of all patients undergoing abdominal aortic reconstruction via the left retroperitoneal approach were reviewed from 1988 to 2001. Indications included either abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) or aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD). Thoracoabdominal aneurysms and visceral aortic reconstructions were excluded. Those patients that required splenectomy for splenic injury were stratified and analyzed for demographics, indications for operation, and other complications. Chi-square analysis was used to determine statistical significance. Over the 13-year study period, 2889 aortic reconstructions were performed. These consisted of 1773 elective AAA repairs, 357 ruptured or symptomatic AAA repairs, and 759 aortofemoral bypasses for AIOD. Splenectomies were performed after aortic repair in 21 (0.7%) patients. Breakdown by indication totaled 11/1773 (0.6%) for elective AAA repair, 7/357 (2.0%) for rupture or symptomatic AAA repair, and 3/759 (0.4%) for AIOD (p < 0.05). Mortality for patients undergoing elective AAA without splenectomy was 1.9% (34/1762) and with splenectomy was 9.1% (1/11), while it was 3.2% (24/756) for AIOD patients without splenectomy and 14% (1/7) for AIOD patients with splenectomy (all p = NS). Splenic injury can occur in elective and emergent aortic reconstructions performed through the left retroperitoneum. The surgeon should be prepared for splenectomy whenever intraperitoneal blood or hemodynamic instability is identified. Evaluation of the spleen prior to flank closure may be prudent. Presented at the Thirteenth Annual Winter Meeting of the Peripheral Vascular Surgery Society, Snowmass, CO, January 31-February 2, 2003.     

Splenic arteriovenous fistula

We present a case of a splenic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) occurring postsplenectomy. The splenectomy was performed as a result of severe blunt abdominal trauma. The fistula was discovered in the postoperative period and controlled with intravascular coils. Splenic AVF are usually due to rupture of a pre-existing splenic artery aneurysm, post-traumatic, or iatrogenic. Diagnosis and treatment of a splenic AVF are necessary to prevent the development of hepatosclerosis and esophageal varices.     

Partial Splenectomy for Benign Splenic Cysts with the Aid of a Lin Clamp: Technical Note

Background Spleen-preserving procedures deserve every effort by surgeons to reduce the risk of overwhelming postsplenectomy infection. Partial splenectomy at hospitals with restricted sources remains technically demanding. We describe our method of partial splenectomy for benign splenic cysts with the aid of a Lin clamp. Patients and Methods Since April 2003 to August 2004, we have performed partial splenectomy with the aid of a Lin clamp on 5 suitable patients with symptomatic cysts. Detailed patient characteristics, operative variables, and outcomes were collected. Following surgery, they were regularly followed up every 6 months. Results All five partial splenectomies were successfully executed without any complications. The mean operating time was 75 minutes, and a mean operative blood loss of 68 ml could be achieved. With a mean follow-up of 34.4 months, no cyst recurrences were detected to date. Postoperative laboratory data, imaging studies, and clinical situations proved that the preserved splenic parenchyma maintained adequate function. Conclusions Partial splenectomy with the aid of a Lin clamp for benign splenic cysts is a practical method with the advantages of easy application, rapid parenchymal dissection, secure hemostasis, and cost-effectiveness. With encouraging preliminary results, further application of this method to bleeding eccentric parenchymal injuries of the spleen may be warranted.     

Splenic abscess: presentation, treatment options, and results

Pyogenic splenic abscess is a rare condition that tends to occur in patients with predisposing factors. The use of splenectomy or computed tomography-guided percutaneous drainage in 10 patients with splenic abscess is presented. In 8 of 10 cases, the diagnosis was based on abdominal computed tomography scan. Seven of 10 patients were treated with splenectomy, and 3 were managed with computed tomography-guided drainage. Abscess cultures included Escherichia coli, Enterobacter, Streptococcus viridans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacteroides fragilis. There were two morbidities and one death in the splenectomy group and no complications in those treated with percutaneous drainage. This review suggests a flexible approach in the management of splenic abscess. Although splenectomy remains the traditional treatment for bacterial splenic abscess, CT-guided drainage may be appropriate in carefully selected patients.     

腹腔镜下脾囊肿的保脾术探讨

目的探讨腹腔镜下脾囊肿保脾手术的可行性。方法应用腹腔镜微创器械和镜下单人双手操作缝合技术为8例脾囊肿施行保脾手术,根据囊肿所处的部位、大小、性质,采用囊肿完整剥除4例,脾部分切除2例,囊肿去顶开窗引流2例。结果8例脾囊肿都成功地完成了腹腔镜下去除囊肿和脾脏的保留,手术时间60～120min,平均100min;术中出血量60～120ml,平均80ml。术后无出血、感染等并发症,4～6d出院。8例术后随访1～72个月,平均38个月,恢复良好,无复发。结论腹腔镜下去除囊肿而保存脾脏的术式可行。     

Splenic injury during abdominal surgery.

Of 237 splenectomies performed over a six-year period, 39 were necessitated by intraoperative injury. Capsular and hilar tears were predominant. All injuries were recognized at the time they occurred. The incidence of pulmonary complications and wound infections exceeded those for other categories of splenectomy and for these other abdominal operations without splenectomy. Although these complications were not fatal and the mortality was not increased, measures for avoidance of intraoperative splenic injury are indicated. These include knowledge of anatomic relationships and exercising cautious traction in operations on the upper part of the stomach and the splenic flexure of the colon, in reoperation in elderly people, or where there is suspicion of intrinsic splenic abnormality.     

Laparoscopic Internal Marsupializaton for Large Nonparasitic Splenic Cysts: Effective Organ-Preserving Technique

Background Primary splenic cyst is a rare disease, and therefore there is no information regarding its optimal management. Most such cysts are classified as epithelial cysts. During the last few years, the laparoscopic approach has gained increasing acceptance in splenic surgery. We present our experience with the laparoscopic (organ-preserving) management of splenic cysts. Methods We managed 11 patients with large symptomatic nonparasitic splenic cysts from 1996 to 2006. All the patients had fullness in the left upper abdomen and a palpable mass. Preoperative diagnosis was established with ultrasonography and computed tomography. All patients were treated with either laparoscopic partial cystectomy or marsupialization. Results Seven patients had mesothelial cysts, two had epidermoid cysts, and two had pseudocysts. Nine patients did not have any problems or recurrence during an average follow-up of 29.5 months. Two patients had cyst recurrence after 14 months. Conclusion Laparoscopic organ-preserving surgery should be the goal of therapy in most cases. Total splenectomy is reserved for cases in which cyst excision cannot be done or most of the splenic tissue is replaced by the cyst. Plication of the cyst wall edges prevents the cyst walls from adhering and causing recurrence, as well as helping to control hemorrhage. Laparoscopic partial cystectomy/marsupialization is an acceptable procedure for the treatment of splenic cysts; and after short to mid-term follow-up, it seems that a reasonable rate of success is possible.     

Splenic cysts: a review of 6 cases.

Benign cysts of the spleen are rare. Six cases have been managed in this hospital in the past 25 years. The history, physical findings and investigations are reviewed. It is suggested that splenectomy is the treatment of choice as it carries a low morbidity and mortality.     

Splenic abscess complicating infective endocarditis: three case reports

We present three case-reports of splenic abscess in patients who were initially diagnosed with bacterial endocarditis. In all cases the diagnosis of splenic abscess was based on the findings of abdominal CT scan or MRI. All patients were treated by laparotomy and splenectomy. Two patients fully recovered and one patient, who suffered from splenic rupture and massive blood loss before surgery, died. Splenic abscess is a well-described but rare complication of infective endocarditis. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential as its course can prove fatal. Abdominal CT scan or MRI should be performed if there is clinical suspicion of splenic abscedation. Immediate splenectomy combined with appropriate antibiotics and valve replacement surgery is the treatment of choice. Splenic tissue is very fragile--especially if the abscess is located subcapsular--and a splenic rupture can result from minimal trauma. If the patient's general state allows it, it is best to perform splenectomy prior to valve replacement surgery to prevent re-infection of the valve prosthesis. A combined one-stage procedure is also an option.     

Splenic Abscess Complicating Infective Endocarditis: Three Case Reports

We present three case-reports of splenic abscess in patients who were initially diagnosed with bacterial endocarditis. In all cases the diagnosis of splenic abscess was based on the findings of abdominal CT scan or MRI. All patients were treated by laparotomy and splenectomy. Two patients fully recovered and one patient, who suffered from splenic rupture and massive blood loss before surgery, died.

Splenic abscess is a well-described but rare complication of infective endocarditis. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential as its course can prove fatal.

Abdominal CT scan or MRI should be performed if there is clinical suspicion of splenic abscedation. Immediate splenectomy combined with appropriate antibiotics and valve replacement surgery is the treatment of choice. Splenic tissue is very fragile — especially if the abscess is located subcapsular — and a splenic rupture can result from minimal trauma. If the patient’s general state allows it, it is best to perform splenectomy prior to valve replacement surgery to prevent re-infection of the valve prosthesis. A combined one-stage procedure is also an option.