Comparative analysis of laparoscopic and open surgical techniques for nonparasitic splenic cyst management in children: a proposed prediction index.

Abstract

In this research, our goal is to carry out a retrospective assessment of patients who received surgical treatment for nonparasitic splenic cysts (NPSCs) and to propose an innovative index (Karakuz Index) for predicting the optimal surgical approach. This study is a retrospective analysis of 48 pediatric patients who underwent surgical treatment for nonparasitic splenic cysts. The patient population was divided into two groups based on the surgical approach: open surgery (n=37) and laparoscopic surgery (n=11). Of the 256 patients with nonparasitic splenic cysts (NPSCs), 48 patients underwent surgical treatment (18.8%). The average age was 11.4±4.2 years, and the majority were female (52%). Surgical approaches included laparoscopic (23%) and open surgery (77%), with cystectomy, partial splenectomy, and total splenectomy performed (48%, 23%, and 29%, respectively). The Karakuz Index, a novel metric, also showed significant differences between the two groups. Histopathological findings and recurrence rates were similar between both approaches (p=0.335 and p=0.229, respectively). The Karakuz Index demonstrated a sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 91% at a cut-off value of 16. The novel Karakuz Index demonstrated promising discriminatory capacity and requires further research in larger studies.