Background: Minimally invasive treatments for nonparasitic splenic cysts are well described. Recent evidence suggests that laparoscopic splenic cystectomy is associated with high recurrence rates in children. Because these cysts are uncommon, no large series is available. We reviewed our clinical data focusing on cyst recurrences and their management.
Methods: All children who underwent laparoscopic excision of a nonparasitic splenic cyst from January 2002 to December 2006 were identified. Medical and surgical records were reviewed for perioperative details, hospital course, and outcome.
Results: Eight children (median age, 13 years; range, 7-16 years) who underwent laparoscopic splenic cystectomy were identified. The most common presenting complaint was left upper quadrant pain or mass (n = 6; 75%). Median cyst size was 13 cm (range, 4-20 cm). There were no conversions to an open technique, completion splenectomies, or perioperative complications. Cysts were identified pathologically as epidermoid (n = 6) or posttraumatic (n = 2). Median hospital stay was 1.5 days. One child required partial splenectomy because of cyst anatomy and remains recurrence-free at 12 months. Cyst recurrence occurred in 7 patients (88%) at a median of 9.4 months (range, 3-18 months) after initial surgery. Median recurrent cyst size was 5.6 cm (range, 3-11 cm). Of 7 recurrences, 4 (57%) were symptomatic. Percutaneous ultrasound-guided cyst drainage and sclerosis were performed in 2 children with symptomatic recurrences, one of whom required 4 separate interventions. There were no complications during management of cyst recurrences. Five children with recurrence (71%) have been followed conservatively and are free of morbidity at a median of 23 months (range, 8-55 months).
Conclusions: Laparoscopic excision of nonparasitic splenic cysts in children is associated with a high recurrence rate and may be insufficient treatment. Partial splenectomy may decrease recurrence rates. Conservative management of splenic cyst recurrence after laparoscopic excision is associated with good short-term outcomes. If necessary, image-guided management of symptomatic recurrences can be performed safely.