Single-Incision Laparoscopic Splenectomy for a Large Non-Traumatic Pseudocyst of the Spleen: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: The incidence of splenic cysts is low, and most are asymptomatic. Symptomatic splenic cysts have rarely been reported. Due to the unspecific clinical and radiologic features, the nature of a cyst is difficult to define in the absence of a history of trauma. Therefore, splenectomy is usually the treatment of choice for obtaining a specimen. In particular, total splenectomy has been the treatment of choice for removal of splenic cysts. Case Presentation: A 25-year-old male patient visited the outpatient department at Tri-Service General Hospital Penghu Branch, Taiwan, with the chief complaint of abdominal fullness. No obvious history of trauma was reported. A series of examinations were performed, and abdominal computed tomography showed one large splenic cyst within the splenic septum. We performed single-incision laparoscopic splenectomy, and the patient recovered well and returned to daily activities one week later. Conclusions: In this modern era of minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic surgery has reduced postoperative pain and improved recovery, with no increase in complications. Laparoscopic splenectomy has become the trend for the management of splenic cysts. Although single-incision laparoscopic surgery is a technical challenge, better cosmetic results and decreased postoperative wound pain are considered to be superior outcomes compared with those of conventional multi-port laparoscopic surgery.