Case Report
Elective laparoscopic splenectomy for giant hemangioma: a case report
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* Corresponding author: Christophoros Kosmidis dr.ckosmidis@gmail.com
1 Department of Surgery, Interbalkan European Medical Center, Thessaloniki, Greece
2 3rd Surgical Clinic, AHEPA Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
3 1st Propeudeutic Surgical Clinic of A.U.Th., AHEPA Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
Cases Journal 2009, 2:10 doi:10.1186/1757-1626-2-10
Published: 5 January 2009Abstract
Although unusual, hemangioma is the most common primary splenic neoplasm. Splenectomy is indicated when the tumor is large, with increased risk of hemorrhage. The laparoscopic approach is preferred for most elective splenectomies. Although technically feasible, laparoscopic splenectomy can be a challenge in the patient with splenomegaly. We present herein a case of an 18-year-old male asymptomatic patient who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy for the incidental finding of splenomegaly caused by a large splenic hemangioma. Laparoscopic splenectomy appears to be a safe and effective procedure, in appropriately experienced hands, for patients with splenomegaly, given the spleen's fragile anatomy and its relationship to other abdominal viscera.