Total splenectomy for a recurrent giant splenic cyst

Primary splenic cysts are a rare finding. Some are large and require surgical removal. The Authors report a case of a recurrent huge splenic cyst in a 41-year-old female patient. A marsupialization was performed at another hospital 6 years before. Ultrasonography and computed tomography imaging revealed a cystic lesion in the spleen measuring approximately 20 cm in diameter. A total open splenectomy was performed. Postoperative course was uneventful. The histologic diagnosis was an epithelial cyst of the spleen with no atypical cells in the cyst wall, as previously found at the first operation. The epidermoid cysts have an epidermal lining, and prevention of recurrence is dependent on complete resection of the cyst wall preserving, whenever possible, the splenic tissue. Recurrence can be avoided with partial splenectomy in polar localization of the cyst, or complete removal of the cyst by "peeling" it off the splenic parenchyma. Marsupialization of the cyst, either via a laparoscopic or an open approach, is often ineffective.     

Laparoscopic splenectomy for a huge splenic cyst without preoperative drainage: report of a case

Laparoscopic splenectomy currently is a safe procedure and offers better cosmetic results, less pain, and a shorter hospital stay than the traditional open procedure. However, there have been only a few reports of laparoscopic removal of giant splenic cysts. An 18-year-old woman was admitted with abdominal fullness. CT scans and MRI images of the upper abdomen revealed a cystic mass having a diameter of 19 cm. Preoperative diagnosis was a large splenic cyst, and laparoscopic splenectomy with intraoperative cyst drainage (amount of drained fluid: 3,000 mL) was performed. Histologically, almost the entire cyst wall was lined with fibrous tissue, but a small portion was covered with stratified squamous epithelium. The final diagnosis was epidermoid cyst. The postoperative course was uneventful. Laparoscopic splenectomy should be tried first even in patients with a huge cyst, and intraoperative drainage under laparoscopic guidance facilitates laparoscopic splenectomy.     

Laparoscopic partial splenectomy for congenital splenic cyst in a pediatric patient: Case report and review of literature

Non-parasitic splenic cysts (NPSC) are a rare condition that makes difficult to know their true incidence and represent 10% of all benign splenic cysts, they can be either congenital with the presence of epithelial lining that originate from invagination of the capsular mesothelial lining or post-traumatic with absence of epithelial lining. We present our management of a splenic congenital cyst in a pediatric patient. A 10-year-old female patient presented to the clinic complaining with a 3-week abdominal pain at the left upper quadrant. An ultrasound showed an enlarged spleen with a thinned walled cystic image on the lower pole of 5 cm. An abdominal CT confirmed the presence of a splenic cyst at the lower pole of the spleen of 5 cm in diameter. Three-port laparoscopic partial splenectomy was done isolating and dividing the lower splenic artery and vein and the lower pole of the spleen with a vessel sealing device. Management of a non-parasitic splenic cyst is controversial: cystectomy, fenestration, percutaneous drainage and sclerotherapy have been previously described, most of them aiming to preserve spleen function and avoiding overwhelming post-splenectomy infection. Partial splenectomy seems the most effective one in terms of preserving spleen function and avoiding recurrence.     

Hilar localization of splenic cyst does not always exclude the possibility of resective treatment

Non parasitic cysts of the spleen require surgical treatment because of their progressive growth and in order to prevent the potential severe complications associated with such cysts. Since it is now well known that total splenectomy, especially in young patients, has potential for short- and long-term complications, much emphasis has been placed on splenic salvage, suggesting partial splenectomy as procedure of choice for splenic cysts. However various Authors suggest that many but not all splenic cysts can be treated with partial splenectomy. In particular cystic mass arising from the anterior aspect of the hilum near to vascular peduncle contraindicate partial resection requiring splenectomy. In a case observed TC scan demonstrated a very large epidermoid cyst penetrating hilar parenchyma just above splenic vessels insertion. Preoperative imaging suggested splenectomy as the only possible procedure to remove the cyst. At operation the exposure of the splenic artery extended proximally along the pancreatic tail showed an arterial branch running with satellite vein in the splenopancreatic ligament for inferior segment of the spleen. As we found this branch it was possible to resect cyst preserving a large inferior parenchymal segment normally perfused and functioning at postoperative scintigraphic controls. In conclusion not all hilar cysts must be considered an absolute indication to splenectomy. An accurate and extensive exposure of splenic artery and vein can demonstrate vascular anatomical variations permitting resection also for large cysts located near the splenic hilum.     

Laparoscopic splenectomy for a large multilocular splenic cyst with elevated CA19-9: Report of a case

INTRODUCTIONBecause splenic cysts are rare, a definitive treatment regime for these cysts remains unclear. We report a case of a large multilocular splenic cyst with elevated carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) levels, which was successfully treated with laparoscopic splenectomy.PRESENTATION OF CASEA 22-year-old female was admitted to our hospital with severe left upper abdominal pain. Serum CA19-9 level was mildly elevated (65 U/ml). Computed tomography revealed a 25-cm long spleen with multilocular cystic lesions, for which an emergency laparoscopic splenectomy was performed. Histological findings revealed that the lesion was a benign true cyst, and immunostaining analyses showed that the epithelium was CA19-9-positive.DISCUSSIONAlthough some spleen-preserving approaches have been reportedly used, splenic cyst recurrence usually occurs in true cyst cases, wherein the cyst is incompletely removed. Most reported cases of splenic cysts producing CA19-9 are true cysts.CONCLUSIONThe treatment approach should be decided on the basis of the type, shape, location, and even CA19-9 levels of the splenic cyst.     

An atypical site of a retroperitoneal epidermoid cyst in a middle-aged woman

INTRODUCTIONRetroperitoneal cysts are rare, usually asymptomatic, abdominal lesions. Epidermoid cysts developing in this space usually occur in middle-aged women and are incidentally discovered in the presacral region during ultrasound examination. Occasionally, cysts may arise from splenic tissue or adrenal glands and develop above the presacral area.PRESENTATION OF CASEWe present the unusual location of a cyst in the retroperitoneal space in a 41-year-old woman admitted to hospital due to detection of a lesion in ultrasound imaging. A CT scan confirmed large intra-abdominal cyst. At operation, a large retroperitoneal thin-walled cyst with no evident arising point was discovered. Histologic analysis revealed epidermoid cyst.DISCUSSIONOur patient presented with giant retroperitoneal cyst extending from the subhepatic region to the uterine and bladder. To our knowledge, this unusual location in adult has not been previously reported in the literature. In our case the lesion was adjacent to inferior vena cava and mesenteric vessel which required special attention during preparation and was technically demanding.CONCLUSIONSurgery is the gold standard for the diagnosis and treatment of retroperitoneal epidermoid cysts. Successful treatment of benign retroperitoneal epidermoid cysts depends on appropriate diagnosis, careful operative technique, and adequate management of the underlying pathology.     

Histopathological,Histogenetic, and Immunohistochemical Analysis of Epidermoid Cyst of Spleen

Splenic cysts are encountered not uncommonly, but large cysts occupying a significant portion of the spleen are extremely rare. We report a case of a young female patient presenting with a large epidermoid cyst involving the majority of the spleen. The patient was involved in a motor vehicle accident during which she sustained multiple rib fractures and traumatic internal organ injuries. She subsequently underwent exploratory laparotomy and splenectomy for grade III splenic lacerations. Incidentally, a 13.3 cm in greatest dimension splenic cyst replacing the majority of the splenic parenchyma was identified. Grossly, the inner lining of cyst was gray-white, smooth, and glistening. Histologically, the thick fibrous cyst wall was composed of stratified squamous epithelium, scattered foci of which were denuded. A panel of properly-controlled immunohistochemical stains was performed and showed the squamous epithelium to be strongly and diffusely immunoreactive with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA 19–9, and cytokeratin 5/6, focally immunoreactive with HBME-1, and negative for calretinin. The histomorphological features and immunohisto-chemical staining pattern were consistent with a diagnosis of an epidermoid cyst of the spleen.     

Laparoscopic management of a ruptured giant epidermoid splenic cyst.

BACKGROUND: Epidermoid splenic cysts are uncommon lesions of the spleen. They are known to become symptomatic as a consequence of enlargement, infection, or rupture, the latter being an exceedingly rare complication traditionally treated with open splenectomy. We herein report a unique case of a giant epidermoid splenic cyst that ruptured spontaneously and was successfully treated with the laparoscopic approach. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic surgery may be considered an initial treatment option in cases of very large epidermoid cysts even when rupture occurs.     

Laparoscopic splenectomy for epithelial cyst of the spleen

Splenic cysts of all types are a relatively rare entity. The origin of epithelial cysts of the spleen is controversial, most probably congenital in origin. Generally, epithelial cysts of the spleen are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally. We present the case of a 40-year-old woman with a 3.5 cm splenic cyst diagnosed four years before. The cyst raised progressively in dimension, the actual size being of 6.5 cm. Computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance showed a central splenic cyst in close relations with main splenic vessels. An initial indication of partial splenectomy was established, eventually a total splenectomy being performed by laparoscopy due to close relations of the cyst with the main hilar splenic vessels. The hemostasis was assured with the aid of Ligasure Atlas 10 mm instrument. The pathology examination revealed a multilocular splenic cyst with a cuboidal epithelial lining. Central localization of splenic cysts represents an indication for total splenectomy. Laparoscopy provides a minimal access method of obtaining pathological confirmation of diagnosis, reduction of cyst complications, and a short hospital stay. This article discusses different aspects of epithelial cysts related to pathology, diagnostic and indications for operative treatment, a review of the literature being also presented.     

Laparoscopic partial splenectomy using radiofrequency ablation

INTRODUCTION: Epidermoid cysts are believed to be congenital in origin and often present in the pediatric population. Because of the concerns of compromised immunologic function after total splenectomy and increasing demand for minimally invasive approaches, interest has increased in performing the partial splenectomy in this patient population by laparoscopic techniques. Nonetheless, concerns for adequate hemostasis have limited its widespread adoption. Because radiofrequency ablation for the partial splenectomy has been done in a laparoscopic porcine model with good results, we used this technology with the goal of limiting blood loss and postoperative hemorrhagic complications. CASE REPORT: A 25-year-old female presented with complaints of right shoulder pain. Abdominal ultrasound and a computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a 10-cm cystic lesion of the spleen. Serology was negative for hydatid cyst pathology. The patient underwent an uneventful partial splenectomy by minimally invasive techniques with the aid of a laparoscopic radiofrequency ablative device and the placement of a hemostatic medicated sponge along the line of transection. RESULTS: Estimated blood loss was less than 30 mL. Final pathology was consistent with an epidermoid splenic cyst, and the patient was discharged uneventfully on postoperative day 5. DISCUSSION: Techniques for the treatment of symptomatic splenic cysts range from total splenectomy to cyst fenestration and placement of the omentum in the splenic defect. The use of radiofrequency ablation has been traditionally used for hepatic parenchymal transection but seems equally suited for the partial splenectomy. This technology, and the addition of hemostatic sponges, seems to provide excellent results in minimizing blood loss, intraoperatively and postoperatively, during the laparoscopic partial splenectomy; however, randomized, prospective trials will be necessary to see if they will be superior to traditional techniques.     

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.     

Laparoscopic marsupialization of a giant posttraumatic splenic cyst.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Nonparasitic cysts are rare clinical lesions of the spleen. Causes include congenital malformations and trauma. Historically, management has entailed partial or total splenectomy using an open approach. Recently, laparoscopic approaches have been developed. In this report, we describe laparoscopic marsupialization of a giant splenic cyst (diameter > 15 cm). METHODS: A 25-year-old African-American man presented with a 9-month history of early satiety, constipation, and left upper quadrant pain. Additionally, he reported blunt trauma to the abdomen 2 years earlier. Physical examination revealed a large, fixed, nontender left upper quadrant mass. Computed tomography scan confirmed a simple cyst within the spleen, measuring 20 x 25 cm. Echinococcus and Entamoeba histolytica serologies were negative. Laparoscopic exploration was performed. Four liters of brown fluid were aspirated and intraoperative cytology confirmed a nonparasitic cyst. The cyst wall was excised and the cavity was packed with omentum. RESULTS: The patient's recovery was uneventful, and he was discharged to home tolerating a regular diet on postoperative day 3. At 6-month follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic and showed no evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Nonparasitic splenic cysts are rare lesions. Laparoscopic marsupialization is safe and effective for giant nonparasitic splenic cysts and should be considered the treatment of choice.     

Giant epidermoid splenic cyst

Giant epidermoid splenic cysts are rare benign tumors. Their treatment is becoming increasingly less aggressive and more conservative. We report the case of a young woman with a giant epidermoid cyst, which required open total splenectomy, and review the literature on benign congenital tumors of the spleen.     

Open and laparoscopic treatment of nonparasitic splenic cysts

BACKGROUND: Nonparasitic splenic cysts are rare. Therefore, there is no 'evidence-based' information regarding their optimal surgical management. In the last years the laparoscopic approach has gained increasing acceptance in splenic surgery. The aim of this study is to present our experience with the laparoscopic management of splenic cysts. METHODS:The medical records of 7 patients with splenic cysts were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: One patient had an open partial splenic resection. Five patients, 3 of them with a posttraumatic and 2 with an epidermoid splenic cyst, underwent laparoscopic unroofing of the cyst. In 4 of these cases the postoperative course was uneventful, whereas in 1 case the patient developed a cyst relapse soon postoperatively. Later on this patient successfully underwent an open partial splenic resection. The 7th patient had an explorative laparoscopy. The cyst was located intrasplenically, entirely covered with unaffected splenic parenchyma, and reached the splenic hilus. Therefore, a conversion to open partial splenectomy was performed. CONCLUSION: Open partial splenectomy and laparoscopic cyst wall unroofing are both effective tools in the management of splenic nonparasitic cysts. Surgeons must master both techniques as nowadays spleen-preserving techniques should be attempted in every case of splenic nonparasitic cyst.     

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.     

Partial splenectomy: the preferred alternative for the treatment of splenic cysts

We report six pediatric patients who had a partial splenectomy for splenic cysts and a seventh patient who had a total splenectomy. There were six epidermoid cysts and one traumatic cyst. All patients had benign postoperative courses. All patients who underwent partial splenectomy had a significant postoperative rise in platelet count that subsequently returned toward baseline. This rise implies a loss of splenic function, although the exact meaning of this is unclear. All patients had late postoperative liver-spleen scans that showed mean spleen size and function to be normal. We have described several methods of partial splenectomy used at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Recommendations for patients undergoing partial splenectomy include preoperative pneumococcus and Hemophilus influenzae vaccinations and prophylactic antibiotics postoperatively. The antibiotics are terminated if a liver-spleen scan and platelet count at the end of 3 months' time are normal.     

Epidermoid cyst of the spleen,a case report

IntroductionSplenic tumors are rare and are either primary or secondary, benign or malignant. Most have none to minimal symptomatology and are found incidentally. Splenic cysts can be infectious, congenital, or traumatic. Epidermoid cysts and parasitic cysts are examples of primary cysts and usually have a classic presentation on imaging. Despite advanced imaging modalities and patient's clinical presentation, it can be difficult to diagnose an epidermoid cyst without histological examination. The purpose of this paper is to discuss typical findings of primary splenic cysts on imaging, but how they may differ in appearance.Presentation of case51 year old female who presented with vague abdominal discomfort and was found to have a large splenic mass with cystic components on imaging which did not demonstrate a typical primary splenic cyst appearance. Patient underwent an uneventful hand-assisted laparoscopic total splenectomy and had an uneventful recovery with histopathology revealing an epidermoid splenic cyst.ConclusionPrimary splenic cysts are difficult to diagnose and differentiate with imaging alone. They have a variable presentation and can present like as a cystic mass. It is important to include them in the differential diagnosis of splenic masses since histopathology is the final determinant of the diagnosis.     

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.     

Laparoscopic management of a massive splenic cyst

Splenic cysts are relatively uncommon entities in surgical practice and treatment options vary. We present a case of a young adult woman who presented with a left-sided abdominal mass. A large splenic cyst was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography. Laparoscopic partial excision with marsupialisation was performed with uneventful recovery and minimal blood loss. Histopathology revealed an epidermoid cyst of the spleen. This report describes the case, and includes a short review of the literature. Laparoscopic partial excision with marsupialisation is a safe and appropriate method of treatment for large splenic cysts.     

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).