title: Laparoscopic internal marsupializaton for large nonparasitic splenic cysts: effective organ-preserving technique.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Primary splenic cyst is a rare disease, and therefore there is no information regarding its optimal management. Most such cysts are classified as epithelial cysts. During the last few years, the laparoscopic approach has gained increasing acceptance in splenic surgery. We present our experience with the laparoscopic (organ-preserving) management of splenic cysts.
  
  
  METHODS
  We managed 11 patients with large symptomatic nonparasitic splenic cysts from 1996 to 2006. All the patients had fullness in the left upper abdomen and a palpable mass. Preoperative diagnosis was established with ultrasonography and computed tomography. All patients were treated with either laparoscopic partial cystectomy or marsupialization.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seven patients had mesothelial cysts, two had epidermoid cysts, and two had pseudocysts. Nine patients did not have any problems or recurrence during an average follow-up of 29.5 months. Two patients had cyst recurrence after 14 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic organ-preserving surgery should be the goal of therapy in most cases. Total splenectomy is reserved for cases in which cyst excision cannot be done or most of the splenic tissue is replaced by the cyst. Plication of the cyst wall edges prevents the cyst walls from adhering and causing recurrence, as well as helping to control hemorrhage. Laparoscopic partial cystectomy/marsupialization is an acceptable procedure for the treatment of splenic cysts; and after short to mid-term follow-up, it seems that a reasonable rate of success is possible.
authors.affiliation: Division of Surgical Gastroenterology, Department of Surgery, GEM Hospital, 45-A Pankaja Mill Road, Ramnathapuram, Coimbatore, 641045, India.
authors.forename: Chinnusamy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Palanivelu
authors.forename: Muthukumaran
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rangarajan
authors.forename: Madhupalayam Velusamy
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Madankumar
authors.forename: Suviraj James
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: John
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003560:Cysts / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013158:Splenic Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome