Laparoscopic splenectomy for adult lymphangiomas of the spleen: case series and review of literature.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Spleen lymphangiomas are rare congenital malformations of the lymphatics. There is a paucity of data in the literature on the evaluation and laparoscopic treatment for adult spleen lymphangiomas. The aim of this study is to further elucidate the feature of this tumor and laparoscopic management of spleen lymphangiomas.

METHODOLOGY: From September 2006 to February 2011, data was collected retrospectively for all patients who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy in our institution with a diagnosis of spleen lymphangiomas. The perioperative details were recorded as well as follow-up.

RESULTS: Seven adult patients underwent successfully LS for spleen lymphangiomas. Mean age was 47.9 years and five patients (71.4%) were women. Patients' symptoms included abdominal pain (28.6%), palpable abdominal mass with nausea (14.3%). Four patients (57.1%) were asymptomatic at diagnosis. The preoperative diagnosis depended on ultrasonography, computed tomography and final needle aspiration. No patient had multiple splenic lesions before. Mean operative time was 112 min. Mean estimated blood loss was 78.6 ml. Pathological examinations confirmed the preoperative diagnosis. No preoperative and postoperative complications have occurred. There were no recurrences at a median follow-up of 31 months.

CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic splenectomy is a preferred treatment for patients with suspected cystic lymphangioma. It should be preferred to total splenectomy.