SPLENIC CONSERVATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF LARGE SPLENIC CYSTS - CASE-REPORT AND LITERATURE-REVIEW

The majority of splenic cysts occur as a result of parasitic infection , most commonly in countries where hydatid disease is endemic. In the Western world however, their occurrence is extremely rare and aetiolog y less clear. Approximately 800 cases of non-parasitic splenic cysts h ave been reported in the world literature to date.(1) Their presentati on ranges from that of an incidental finding on abdominal examination to catastrophic intraperitoneal haemorrhage. The methods of treatment of splenic cysts are protean with no universally accepted policy. We r eport a case of a massive splenic cyst in an adolescent female treated by partial splenectomy. We also present a review of the pertinent lit erature on this subject paying special attention to the role of conser vative surgery with preservation of normal splenic tissue.