Laparoscopic Management of the Wandering Spleen

Abstract

Wandering spleen is a rare clinical condition associated with a high incidence of splenic torsion and infarction. The preferred treatment for this condition is splenopexy to reposition the spleen in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen and to preserve splenic function. We present two cases of wandering spleen managed by laparoscopic splenopexy. Both young women presented with intermittent abdominal pain. A CT scan was diagnostic of wandering spleen in each case. Both patients were successfully treated with the laparoscopic splenopexy. The spleen was inserted in a Vicryl mesh bag and fixed in the left upper quadrant in both cases. Both patients had resolution of their preoperative symptoms. Laparoscopic splenopexy has many advantages over open splenopexy or splenectomy, including preserving splenic function, minimal postoperative pain, early discharge from the hospital, and rapid recovery.