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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Splenectomy In Children: A Case Report with Literature Review
Published on: March 27, 2026
Management of congenital and posttraumatic splenic cysts in children
Audrey Meunier1, Jean Closset, Marie Cassart
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Department of Digestive Surgery, Department of Radiology Erasme University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium.
Insights
Splenic cysts are uncommon in children. Surgical intervention for symptomatic or large splenic cysts (4-6cm) is recommended, preferably via laparoscopy to preserve spleen tissue, with pre-operative pneumococcal vaccination.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Abdominal Imaging
Background:
- Splenic cysts are rare in pediatric populations.
- Management strategies for pediatric splenic cysts are not well-defined.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes.
Observation:
- Three pediatric cases of splenic cysts were reviewed.
- Clinical presentation varied, with symptoms or cyst size dictating management.
- Cyst size threshold for surgical intervention was identified as 4-6 cm.
Findings:
- Symptomatic splenic cysts or those exceeding 4-6 cm require surgical management.
- Laparoscopic approach is preferred for splenic cyst surgery to maximize splenic tissue preservation.
- Prophylactic anti-pneumococcal vaccination is recommended prior to surgical treatment.
Implications:
- This study highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and tailored surgical approaches for pediatric splenic cysts.
- Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery can effectively manage splenic cysts while preserving organ function.
- Pre-operative vaccination is essential to prevent post-splenectomy infections in pediatric patients undergoing splenic procedures.
Abstract:
Splenic cysts are rarely observed in young patients. We report three cases of splenic cysts. The management and the surgical procedure, if needed, are discussed. If the splenic cyst is symptomatic or if its size reaches a diameter of 4-6cm, it requires surgical management. This treatment would be performed by laparoscopic approach and is intended to spare splenic tissue as much as possible. A prophylactic anti-pneumococcal vaccination is recommended before surgical treatment.
