Hemisplenectomy for giant splenic cysts in children

To analyse the clinical features and outcome following surgery of giant spl enic cysts in children, all patients presenting to a children's hospital ov er the years 1987-1996 were reviewed. Variables analysed included presentin g symptoms, method of diagnosis, operative procedure, and complications. Si x patients (aged 8-16 years) presented with abdominal pain or a large abdom inal mass. Ultrasound examination demonstrated large (> 5 cm) unilocular sp lenic cysts. Five of the six children underwent hemisplenectomy without com plication or blood transfusion. The remaining patient had an infected cyst, for which total splenectomy was necessary because of major intraoperative haemorrhage. Hemisplenectomy is based on accurate dissection of the splenic hilum with clear knowledge of the intracapsular vascular anatomy of the sp leen. Preoperative vaccination is recommended in the event that splenectomy is required. This retrospective review concludes that hemisplenectomy for splenic cysts is a safe procedure in children.