Surgical approach to non-parasitic splenic cysts in childhood

Abstract

Objective: in our study, we aimed to demonstrate and evaluate our surgical approaches to childhood non-parasitic splenic cysts comparatively. Methods: Patients who underwent surgery for non-parasitic splenic cysts between 2012 and 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. the cases were evaluated in terms of age, gender, surgical method, pathological diagnosis and follow-up. Results: the mean age of eight patients (5 girls, 3 boys) who underwent surgery for non-parasitic splenic cyst was 15 years (minimum-maximum: 9-18 years). Partial splenectomy was performed in five cases (62.5%), and total splenectomy was performed in three cases (38.5%). the operation times are 75-90 minutes in total; It ranged from 60 to 75 minutes in partial splenectomies. Complications were not observed in any of the cases and there was not bleeding to require blood transfusion. Considering the pathology results, it was reported as epithelial cyst in four cases (50%), pseudocyst in three cases (37.5%) and mesothelial cyst in one case (12.5%). Ultrasound control was recommended to the patients every six months, and no recurrence has been observed until now. Conclusion: the spleen is a very important organ for the immune system, especially in children. Therefore, in the surgical treatment of non-parasitic splenic cysts, the spleen-sparing surgery option can be considered primarily if the location and size of the cyst are appropriate.