Aim: Splenic cysts are rare lesions in the pediatric population. These cysts are mostly incidental and rarely symptomatic. The aim of this study is to share our clinical experience regarding the follow-up and treatment strategies for patients diagnosed with non-parasitic splenic cysts (NPSCs).
Methods: In our study, the records of patients who visited the pediatric surgery outpatient clinic due to NDK between 2019 and 2025 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients' demographic data, symptoms, follow-up periods, radiological findings, surgical methods, complications, and pathology results were recorded. Patients were divided into two groups: those who were followed up (Group 1) and those who underwent surgery (Group 2).
Results: A total of 70 patients were included in the study, of whom 51.5% were female. The mean age was 9 years (range: 1–17 years). Group 2 comprised 17.1% of the patients. It was found that 92.8% of the cysts were detected incidentally. The mean cyst size on ultrasonography was 2.1 cm in Group 1 and 7.9 cm in Group 2. The mean follow-up duration in Group 1 was 9.5 months. In Group 2, the surgical procedures performed were aspiration/cyst wall excision (n=5), partial splenectomy (n=5), and total splenectomy (n=2). All patients who underwent aspiration or cyst wall excision experienced recurrence and subsequently underwent partial splenectomy in a second session. Histopathological examination revealed that 75% of the cases were consistent with epithelial cysts.
Conclusion: Due to the immune functions and hematological roles of the spleen, the most important goal in surgical interventions is to preserve the spleen as much as possible. Therefore, partial splenectomy should be preferred in the surgical treatment of NDK to preserve the function of the spleen and prevent recurrence.
Keywords: Non-parasitic splenic cyst, child, partial splenectomy, epithelial cyst, spleen conserving surgery
Anahtar Kelimeler: