Our Summary

This research paper reports on three cases of young patients with large, non-parasitic cysts in the spleen. These cysts didn’t cause much discomfort, only mild upper-abdominal pain and a small change in the shape of the abdomen. The diagnosis was made using ultrasound and CT scans. The cysts were successfully removed by surgery, while keeping almost all of the spleen intact, using standard surgical tools. The recovery after the operation was smooth in all cases. At a follow-up check 4 to 6 months later, all patients were doing well and there were no signs of the cysts coming back in the CT scans. The paper concludes that large cysts in the spleen can be safely removed by surgery while preserving most of the spleen.

FAQs

  1. What are the symptoms of giant, nonparasitic splenic cysts?
  2. What instruments were used to successfully excise these cysts while sparing the spleen?
  3. Was there any sign of recurrence in the cysts after the surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient undergoing tumor resection to follow postoperative care instructions carefully, including proper wound care, pain management, and scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor for any signs of recurrence. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to support optimal healing and recovery.

Suitable For

Patients with giant, nonparasitic splenic cysts who are poorly symptomatic or experiencing mild upper-abdominal pain may be recommended for tumor resection. These patients may have a discrete change in abdominal contour and can be diagnosed using ultrasound and abdominal CT imaging. It is important to consider sparing as much of the spleen as possible during the resection. The use of standard surgical instruments, such as an electric knife and LigaSure instrument, can help to successfully excise the cysts. Overall, patients with giant splenic cysts can have a relatively safe postoperative course and may experience good outcomes with no signs of recurrence at follow-up.

Timeline

  • Before tumor resection:
  1. Patient may experience mild upper-abdominal pain and a change in abdominal contour, prompting them to seek medical attention.
  2. Diagnosis is made based on ultrasound and abdominal CT scans.
  3. Consultation with a surgeon to discuss treatment options and surgical resection.
  4. Preoperative preparation, including blood tests, imaging studies, and possibly a consultation with an anesthesiologist.
  • After tumor resection:
  1. Patient undergoes surgical resection of the tumor, sparing as much of the spleen as possible.
  2. Postoperative recovery in the hospital, with monitoring of vital signs and pain management.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and check for any signs of recurrence.
  4. 4-6 months postoperatively, patient is in good health and imaging studies show no signs of recurrence of the splenic cyst.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient may consider asking their doctor about tumor resection include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with tumor resection?
  2. What is the expected recovery time after tumor resection surgery?
  3. Will I need any additional treatments or follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  4. How will the tumor resection affect my overall health and quality of life?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider?
  6. How experienced are you in performing tumor resection surgeries?
  7. What is the likelihood of the tumor recurring after resection?
  8. Will I need any special accommodations or lifestyle changes after the surgery?
  9. How will the tumor resection impact my spleen function and overall immune system?
  10. Are there any specific instructions or precautions I should follow before and after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Żyluk A. Journal: Pol Przegl Chir. 2020 Jul 16;92(5):1-5. doi: 10.5604/01.3001.0014.3182. PMID: 33028730