Non-parasitic splenic cyst is a rare disorder of the spleen. Most of cysts are of non-traumatic etiology. Recently laparoscopy has been proposed as the preferred approach to these benign lesions. We present a case of symptomatic splenic cyst removed laparoscopically.

The patient is a 43 year old female with recently appeared epigastric discomfort. Ultrasound examination revealed 4.5 cm splenic cyst, no gallstones were identified. CT scan performed one month later showed the size of the cyst increased to 5.5 cm. Given the significantly increased size of the cyst over short period of time the patient was referred for surgical treatment.

The patient was positioned in the right lateral decubitus position. The spleen was completely mobilized with preservation of the short gastric vessels. The hilum of the spleen and short gastric vessels were controlled with vessel loops. The cyst was resected with the rim of the health tissue. Hemostasis was achieved using Argon-beam coagulation.

Pathology revealed cystic wall covered with attenuated layer of epithelial cells. Follow-up CT performed 6 months later showed normal spleen without evidence of recurrence.

We conclude that resection of non-parasitic splenic cyst performed laparoscopically provide excellent short- and long-term results.