Giant Splenic Cyst with Hypersplenism: Laparoscopic Splenectomy

Abstract

Background: Splenic cysts are rare lesions with around 800 cases reported in the world literature but splenic cyst associated with hypersplenism is very rare and only few cases have been reported in world literature. They have been classified as “true” or “pseudo” cysts based on the presence or absence of an epithelial lining. Methods: We report a case of giant true splenic cyst. A 29 year old Saudi woman presented with one year history of abdominal pain and a sensation of fullness in her left upper abdomen. She gave a vague history of abdominal trauma one year back. Abdominal Computed tomography revealed a giant splenic cyst almost replacing the splenic parenchyma and abutting the splenic hilum. Laboratory tests revealed a picture of hypersplenism. Results: She was treated successfully by laparoscopic splenectomy. The pathological examination confirmed a true cyst with epithelial lining. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the blood count returned to normal. Conclusion: Laparoscopic splenectomy is effective method of management for such cyst involving the hilar region of the spleen or replacing almost the splenic parenchyma.