Benign lesions of the spleen usually can be surgically removed by part
ial splenectomy. When the lesion is longitudinal and occupies most or
the entire length of the spleen, partial splenectomy using the common
surgical technique, based on the distribution of the organ's blood sup
ply, is impossible. A new approach for ''vertical'' partial splenectom
y for epidermoid cyst is described, using splenic artery occlusion and
straight suture needles. (C) 1995 by W.B. Saunders Company