Large Symptomatic Splenic Pseudocyst: Case Report of a Rare Entity

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Innovation
• Abdominal Imaging

Background:

• Splenic pseudocysts are rare but can cause significant symptoms.
• Persistent left upper abdominal pain may indicate a large splenic pseudocyst.
• Splenectomy carries risks of infection and long-term complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of considering splenic pseudocysts in patients with left upper abdominal pain.
• To present a case of successful laparoscopic spleen-preserving management of a large symptomatic splenic pseudocyst.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic spleen-preserving cyst decompression and deroofing.

Main Methods:

• Case report presentation.
• Diagnostic imaging (e.g., CT, MRI) for pseudocyst characterization.
• Laparoscopic spleen-preserving cyst decompression and deroofing procedure.

Main Results:

• Successful diagnosis of a large symptomatic splenic pseudocyst.
• Laparoscopic spleen-preserving surgery effectively relieved patient symptoms.
• The spleen's function was preserved, avoiding splenectomy-related morbidity.

Conclusions:

• Large symptomatic splenic pseudocysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of persistent left upper abdominal pain.
• Laparoscopic spleen-preserving cyst decompression and deroofing is a safe and effective treatment option.
• This approach maintains splenic function and avoids the complications of splenectomy.