Partial Splenectomy for Epithelial (Epidermoid) Splenic Cysts: Report of Two Cases

Primary splenic cyst is a relatively rare disease, and the majority of cases are classified as epithelial (epidermoid) cysts. Two cases with epithelial splenic cysts are presented. Both cases had some similar symptomatology, like fullness in the left upper abdomen and a palpable mass. Preoperative radiological diagnosis was pancreatic pseudocysts. Exploratory laparotomy and partial splenectomy was done. The post operative period was uneventful in both the cases. Because of post-splenectomy sepsis, the management has shifted to splenic preservation when feasible. Partial splenectomy is an acceptable procedure for the treatment of splenic cysts which are suitably located, because it cures the disease preserving the splenic tissue. Complete splenectomy is reserved for cases in which cyst excision cannot be done otherwise. Keywords: epithelial splenic cysts; partial splenectomy; splenic preservation