Laparoscopic partial splenectomy for a giant splenic pseudocyst with elevated CA19-9: a case report

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Splenic cysts are rare, with limited high-level evidence supporting management strategies.
• Existing treatments like aspiration, drainage, and fenestration lack robust clinical validation.
• The role of tumor markers, such as CA19-9, in splenic cysts requires further investigation.

Observation:

• A case report details a 31-year-old female with a giant splenic cyst and elevated serum CA19-9.
• The patient successfully underwent a laparoscopic partial splenectomy.
• This minimally invasive technique is gaining traction for splenic cyst management.

Findings:

• Laparoscopic partial splenectomy offers a potential treatment option for splenic cysts.
• The procedure may be particularly suitable for cysts that are not entirely encapsulated by splenic tissue.
• Further research is needed to establish definitive evidence for various splenic cyst treatments.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential efficacy of laparoscopic partial splenectomy in managing complex splenic cysts.
• It contributes to the growing body of evidence for minimally invasive surgical interventions in splenic pathology.
• Further studies are warranted to elucidate the relationship between tumor markers and splenic cysts and to compare outcomes of different surgical approaches.