Splenic conservation in the management of large splenic cysts: case report and literature review.

The majority of splenic cysts occur as a result of parasitic infection, most commonly in countries where hydatid disease is endemic. In the Western world however, their occurrence is extremely rare and aetiology less clear. Approximately 800 cases of non-parasitic splenic cysts have been reported in the world literature to date. Their presentation ranges from that of an incidental finding on abdominal examination to catastrophic intraperitoneal haemorrhage. The methods of treatment of splenic cysts are protean with no universally accepted policy. We report a case of a massive splenic cyst in an adolescent female treated by partial splenectomy. We also present a review of the pertinent literature on this subject paying special attention to the role of conservative surgery with preservation of normal splenic tissue.