Laparoscopic management of a giant congenital splenic cyst in a child

Abstract

Splenic cysts are rare in pediatric surgery. They can be classifi ed as “true” cysts or pseudocysts on the basis of the presence or absence of an epithelial lining. Congenital cysts represent 10% of splenic cysts, most of which are epidermoid lesions[1]. Splenectomy was initially the surgical treatment employed due to size, risk of operative complications, and fear of postoperative bleeding[2]. With the introduction of minimally invasive surgery, several cases have been documented where laparoscopy has been used safely and with good results[2]. The use of laparoscopy is less aggressive, resulting in less postoperative discomfort, and requires a shorter stay in the hospital and with the same results as with the open approach[3-5]. We report a new case of congenital splenic cyst handled successfully by laparoscopy including a follow-up period of more than 2 years.