LAPAROSCOPIC SPLENIC CYSTECTOMY - A CASE-REPORT

Congenital epidermoid splenic cysts are very rare. They are known to b ecome symptomatic as a consequence of enlargement, hemorrhage, rupture , or infection. Recent options in the treatment of splenic cysts have included percutaneous drainage, partial splenectomy, or open splenic c ystectomy. The authors present the first report of a pediatric patient with a large epidermoid cyst of the spleen treated by laparoscopic pa rtial cyst excision and omental packing. Follow-up at 1 year confirms no recurrence. Laparoscopy provides a minimal access method of obtaini ng pathological confirmation of diagnosis, reduction of cyst complicat ions, and a short hospital stay, while preserving splenic function. Co pyright (C) 1998 by W.B. Saunders Company.