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[Volvulus of the wandering spleen]
Chirurgia (Bucharest, Romania : 1990)
|May 7, 2003
Summary
Floating spleen volvulus, a rare condition causing left flank pain, can be diagnosed preoperatively with abdominal ultrasound. This case highlights a successful splenectomy for a diagnosed spleen volvulus.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Case Reports
Background:
- Floating spleen is a rare anatomical anomaly where the spleen is not fixed in its normal position.
- Splenic volvulus occurs when the spleen twists on its vascular pedicle, potentially leading to ischemia.
Observation:
- A 28-year-old female presented with acute left flank pain, indicative of a potential abdominal emergency.
- Abdominal ultrasonography revealed an enlarged spleen outside its normal anatomical lodge, suggesting a floating spleen.
- Preoperative diagnosis of splenic volvulus was achieved, a finding reported in only 4% of cases.
Findings:
- The patient underwent a splenectomy for the diagnosed splenic volvulus.
- The case underscores the diagnostic utility of abdominal ultrasonography in identifying splenic anomalies.
Implications:
- Early and accurate diagnosis of splenic volvulus is crucial for timely surgical intervention.
- While splenectomy was performed, recent literature suggests conservative laparoscopic approaches like detorsion and splenopexy may be viable alternatives.