Case Report
Copyright ©2005 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Nov 21, 2005; 11(43): 6884-6887
Published online Nov 21, 2005. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v11.i43.6884
Non-parasitic splenic cysts: A report of three cases
Macheras A, Misiakos EP, Liakakos T, Mpistarakis D, Fotiadis C, Karatzas G
Macheras A, Misiakos EP, Liakakos T, Mpistarakis D, Fotiadis C, Karatzas G, 3rd Department of Surgery, University of Athens, School of Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Haidari, Athens, Greece
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Evangelos P Misiakos, MD, Lecturer in Surgery, University of Athens, School of Medicine, 19 Giavasi Street, Agia Paraskevi, Athens 15341, Greece. misiakos@med.uoa.gr
Telephone: +11-30210-5326419 Fax: +11-30210-5326420
Received: March 12, 2005
Revised: April 1, 2005
Accepted: April 2, 2005
Published online: November 21, 2005
Abstract

Primary splenic cyst is a relatively rare disease, and the majority of cases are classified as epithelial cysts. Three cases with nonparasitic splenic cysts are presented: two epithelial and one pseudocyst. All cases had an atypical symptomatology, consisted mainly of fullness in the left upper abdomen and a palpable mass. Preoperative diagnosis was established with ultrasonography and computerized tomography. Two cases with large cysts located in the splenic hilum were treated with open complete splenectomy. The most recent case, a pseudocyst, was managed laparoscopically with partial cystectomy. All cases did not have any problems or recurrence during follow-up. Laparoscopic partial cystectomy is an acceptable procedure for the treatment of splenic cysts, because it cures the disease preserving the splenic tissue. Complete splenectomy is reserved for cases in which cyst excision cannot be done otherwise.

Keywords: Spleen; Epithelial cyst; Surgery; Laparoscopy