Non-parasitic splenic cysts in children: Report of mis treatment options and review of the literature. An ongoing management dilemma.

Zahari F.; Vecchione S.; Matcovici M.; Alizai N.

Non-parasitic splenic cysts in children: Report of mis treatment options and review of the literature. An ongoing management dilemma.

All Authors

Zahari F.

Vecchione S.

Matcovici M.

Alizai N.

LTHT Author

Zahari, Fadzlien
Vecchione, Sarah
Matcovici, Melania
Alizai, Naved

LTHT Department

Leeds Children's Hospital
Paediatric Surgery

Publication Date

2025

Item Type

Conference Abstract

Subject

RADIOTHERAPY PLANNING, COMPUTER-ASSISTED , PAEDIATRICS , RADIOLOGY , RADIOLOGY, INTERVENTIONAL , ROBOTIC SURGICAL PROCEDURES , SPLEEN

Abstract

Aims: Non-parasitic splenic cysts (NPSC) are rare. Large cysts can cause symptoms. Treatment varies, depending on the cyst type and location. At our institution, robotic assisted spleen sparing approach and interventional radiology (IR) sclerotherapy are the treatment modalities. This study presents our experience managing NPSC in a paediatric surgical tertiary centre. Method(s): We conducted a retrospective review of patients diagnosed with NPSC over a 16-year period. Data was collected on patient's demographics, investigations and management. A literature review was performed using PubMed. Result(s): A total of 22 patients were diagnosed with NPSC at a median age of 137 (1-187) months. Two cases were diagnosed antenatally. Diagnosis was incidental in 45% (n = 10) of cases, symptomatic in 50% (n = 11), and post-traumatic in one patient. Intervention was necessary for 36% (n = 8) patients: partial splenectomy/cystectomy was performed in 23% (n = 4 robotic, n = 1 laparoscopic), combined IR and surgical treatment in two patients and IR alone in one patient (four sessions). The median length of stay was 0.5 days for IR cases and 5 days for surgical patients. Histopathology revealed epidermoid cyst (n = 3), mesothelial cyst (n = 2) and pseudocyst (n = 2). Complications occurred in one case, where a patient treated with combined IR and surgery developed an infected haematoma. There were no recurrences. Conclusion(s): We report one of the largest case series focusing on minimally invasive surgery treatment options for NPSC. Roboticassisted spleen sparing surgery and IR sclerotherapy are safe and effective. Further studies are needed to compare techniques and indications.