Surgery for primary splenic tumors and metastases of the spleen

Abstract

The correct indications for surgical treatment of primary splenic tumors as well as metastases of the spleen are challenging due to the rarity of the various entities. Primary solid splenic tumors include benign lesions, such as hemangiomas, hamartomas and sclerosing angiomatous nodular transformation (SANT) of the spleen. In these cases, surgical treatment is indicated only in the case of inconclusive imaging and after careful consideration of the risk-benefit ratio, even in the case of pronounced symptoms. In contrast, primary angiosarcoma or undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma as highly malignant tumors represent an urgent indication for surgery. Although more frequent than primary splenic malignancies, secondary splenic tumors are also not that frequent. Solitary splenic metastases are rare; however, from an oncological point of view they can be treated by resection. In the case of oligometastasis with splenic involvement, splenectomy is used only as part of apalliative concept in cases of pronounced symptoms or in the context of cytoreductive surgery. In general, the laparoscopic approach is to be preferred when the operation is technically feasible as it is associated with fewer pulmonary and infectious complications and ashorter hospital stay. In addition, to reduce the risk of severe infections after splenectomy, the option of partial splenectomy should be considered, especially for benign lesions. A thorough informing of the patient regarding both intraoperative and perioperative risks as well as potential long-term sequelae, especially severe infectious diseases, is an essential component of informed consent before surgery.