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Laparoscopic decapsulation of a large epidermoid splenic cyst in a child using the UltraCision LaparoSonic
F Pampaloni1, A Valeri, R Mattei
1U.O. Chirurgia Pediatrica, Azienda Ospedaliera Anna Meyer, Via Luca Giordano, 13, 50132 Firenze, Italy.
Insights
Congenital splenic epidermoid cysts are rare in children. Laparoscopic decapsulation using UltraCision LCS offers a safe, minimally invasive spleen-preserving surgical option with excellent outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Splenic cysts are uncommon in pediatric surgical cases.
- Congenital epidermoid cysts represent a rare subset (2.5%) of pediatric splenic cysts.
- Traditional splenectomy in children carries significant short- and long-term risks, prompting alternative management strategies like partial splenectomy or cyst decapsulation.
Observation:
- This report details the first successful laparoscopic decapsulation of a congenital epidermoid splenic cyst in a 10-year-old patient.
- The procedure utilized the UltraCision LaparoSonic Coagulating Shears (LCS) for enhanced surgical precision and safety.
- Post-operative follow-up at six months showed no evidence of cyst recurrence.
Findings:
- Laparoscopic splenic decapsulation is a viable, minimally invasive technique for treating pediatric epidermoid cysts.
- The use of UltraCision LCS facilitates a safe, efficient, and minimally traumatic surgical approach.
- This method effectively preserves splenic function while achieving complete cyst removal.
Implications:
- Laparoscopic decapsulation offers a superior alternative to splenectomy in pediatric patients with epidermoid splenic cysts.
- The technique minimizes surgical trauma and hospital stay, crucial for pediatric recovery.
- Preservation of splenic function is paramount in pediatric surgery to maintain immune competence.
Abstract:
Splenic cysts are rare in pediatric surgery. Congenital epidermoid cysts are exceptional representing only 2.5% of all splenic cysts in childhood. Nowadays, considering the short- and long-term complications of splenectomy in children, the management of epidermoid cyst consists of partial splenectomy or decapsulation of the cystic wall. To our knowledge, the case reported in this article describes the first successful laparoscopic decapsulation of an epidermoid splenic cyst in an 10-year-old child using the UltraCision LaparoSonic Coagulating Shears (LCS). Follow-up at six months confirms no recurrence. Laparoscopic splenic decapsulation provides minimal access and small surgical trauma for treating the cyst while preserving splenic function. The use of UltraCision LCS makes the laparoscopy safely, expeditiously, with minimal blood loss and short hospital stay.
