Laparoscopic Splenectomy for Giant Splenic Cyst

Current standard practice is to surgically intervene with splenic cysts greater than 5-cm based on their increased risk for hemorrhage, rupture, and infection.1, 2 Whenever feasible, laparoscopic management of splenic cysts is preferred based on an associated reduction in morbidity and mortality, a shorter hospital stay, less postoperative pain, fewer wound-related complications, and a more satisfying cosmetic outcome.2 The size of a splenic cyst is one factor that frequently influences the decision to proceed with a laparoscopic versus an open surgical approach. A MRI was conducted for further evaluation of the large cystic lesion, which showed an 18.3-cm diameter T1 hypointense, T2 hyperintense splenic lesion without internal enhancement, consistent with a posttraumatic pseudocyst, chronic liquefied hematoma, or splenic epidermoid (Fig. 1).