Spleen cyst removal

The loyalty program applies to surgical interventions in the inpatient facility, making treatment even more affordable.

A cyst in the spleen is a hollow formation filled with fluid. Small cysts usually do not cause symptoms and do not require surgery. However, in certain cases, surgical treatment may be necessary. Modern methods allow the cyst to be removed while preserving the spleen in many cases.

At Oxford Medical, operations are performed by experienced surgeons in a modern inpatient facility with expert-class equipment. If indicated, the laparoscopic method is used, which allows the intervention to be performed through small punctures, reduces tissue trauma, and shortens the recovery period compared to open surgery.

If you have been diagnosed with a splenic cyst, book a consultation with a surgeon at Oxford Medical. The doctor will assess the examination results and determine whether surgical treatment is necessary.

The origin of cystic formations can vary. According to a scientific review in World Journal of Gastroenterology, the main causes include:

• congenital developmental features — associated with the characteristics of the formation of organ tissues during intrauterine development;

• splenic injuries — after a blow or other damage, hemorrhage may occur in the organ, at the site of which a pseudocyst sometimes subsequently forms;

• impaired blood supply — after a splenic infarction, when part of the tissue dies due to the cessation of blood flow, a cystic cavity may form;

• parasitic infections — infection with echinococcus can lead to the formation of a parasitic cyst, which requires a special approach to treatment.

It is important to distinguish between simple, post-traumatic, and parasitic cysts, as they differ in structure, risk of complications and, accordingly, require different approaches to treatment.

The intensity of pain does not always correspond to the size of the cyst: even a large formation sometimes does not cause complaints. At the same time, pain in the left upper quadrant is not necessarily associated with the spleen. Instrumental examinations help determine its cause.

Small cysts usually do not pose a threat to health. However, as the formation increases in size, the risk of complications may increase. Possible complications include:

• Rupture of the cyst. Its wall may be damaged as a result of a blow or spontaneously. If the splenic tissue also ruptures and internal bleeding occurs, the patient may lose a significant amount of blood. This can lead to hemorrhagic shock and requires emergency medical care.

• Hemorrhage into the cyst. When blood vessels are damaged, blood accumulates inside the formation, causing it to increase rapidly in size. Sharp pain occurs in the left upper quadrant. If the cyst subsequently ruptures, blood may enter the abdominal cavity.

• Infection and suppuration. Bacteria entering the cyst cavity may lead to the formation of an abscess — a localized accumulation of pus. Without timely treatment, the infection can spread beyond the spleen and cause sepsis — a life-threatening condition.

Doctors at Oxford Medical recommend calling an ambulance immediately if sudden severe pain in the left side of the abdomen is accompanied by severe weakness, dizziness, or fainting. These may be signs of internal bleeding. High fever with chills and increasing pain also requires urgent medical attention.

Cystic formations of the spleen are often detected during an examination for another reason. To clarify the diagnosis and determine further management tactics, the doctor may prescribe:

• ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs — the main method of primary examination, which allows the cyst to be detected and its size, location, and characteristics of its internal contents to be determined;

• computed tomography of the abdominal organs — helps assess the structure of the formation, its connection with blood vessels and neighboring organs in more detail;

• laboratory tests — a complete blood count may reveal signs of inflammation, and if echinococcosis is suspected, special blood tests for antibodies to parasitic infections are prescribed;

• MRI of the spleen — if the results of previous examinations are ambiguous, the doctor may order it for a more detailed assessment of the nature of the neoplasm.

If the cyst has a typical benign structure, additional diagnostic testing may not be necessary. However, thickened walls, septa, heterogeneous contents, or the presence of solid components require clarification. Based on the examination results, the doctor determines whether observation is sufficient or treatment is necessary.

If the cyst has characteristic signs of a benign formation and does not cause complaints, the doctor may recommend observation. At the same time, some splenic tumors may have a cystic structure, so in the case of atypical examination results, it is important to clarify the diagnosis first.

Possible approaches to treatment:

• Dynamic observation. The patient is prescribed a follow-up ultrasound examination to monitor the size and condition of the cyst. If it does not increase in size and does not cause symptoms, surgery may not be necessary.

• Drug therapy. If the formation is caused by echinococcus, antiparasitic agents, particularly albendazole, are used. Depending on the characteristics of the cyst, the medication may be prescribed as a standalone treatment or in combination with surgical intervention.

According to the Canadian Journal of Surgery, even some large asymptomatic nonparasitic cysts can be observed without immediate surgery. The size of the formation alone is not the only criterion for choosing management tactics.

Doctors at Oxford Medical explain: if the cyst increases in size, causes pain, or there is a risk of complications, the need for surgical intervention is considered. Whenever possible, preference is given to methods that allow the formation to be removed while preserving the spleen.

Before the operation, the patient undergoes a consultation with a surgeon. The doctor studies the examination results, clarifies the location of the cyst and its relationship with blood vessels. This helps determine the extent of the intervention and assess the possibility of preserving the spleen. The surgeon also determines whether there are concomitant diseases, allergic reactions, and which medications the patient takes regularly.

Preoperative examination usually includes:

• general blood and urine tests;

• biochemical blood analysis;

• a coagulogram to assess blood clotting;

• an electrocardiogram and a consultation with an anesthesiologist.

If necessary, the doctor prescribes additional examinations. If the patient takes medications that affect blood clotting, the surgeon determines whether it is necessary to temporarily change their medication regimen before the operation.

Doctors at Oxford Medical explain: if complete removal of the spleen is planned, it is important to arrange vaccination in advance. After such an operation, the body becomes more vulnerable to certain severe bacterial infections. Therefore, before an elective splenectomy, existing vaccinations are checked and, if necessary, vaccination against pneumococcus, meningococcus, and Haemophilus influenzae type b infection is performed. The recommended timing is at least 14 days before the operation.

Laparoscopic and open interventions are performed under general anesthesia. Eating is prohibited for 8 hours before the operation, and drinking clean, still water should be stopped 2 hours beforehand. On the day of the intervention, only medications approved by the anesthesiologist may be taken, with a small amount of water.

At Oxford Medical, splenic cyst removal is performed by surgeons with many years of experience. The modern operating unit is equipped with expert-class equipment for performing complex surgical interventions and monitoring the patient's vital signs. The operation is performed under general anesthesia.

Doctors at Oxford Medical explain: whenever possible, the laparoscopic method is used, which allows the operation to be performed without a large abdominal incision. The surgeon makes several small punctures through which a video camera and special instruments are inserted. The image from the camera is displayed on a monitor, allowing the doctor to examine the tissues in detail and precisely perform the necessary manipulations. Compared to open surgery, laparoscopy is usually associated with less tissue trauma, shorter hospitalization, and faster recovery. If this method does not allow the intervention to be performed safely, the surgeon uses open access.

The extent of the operation depends on the location and characteristics of the cyst. If a patient has a splenic cyst, the operation does not necessarily involve removing the entire organ. Whenever possible, surgeons choose methods that allow the spleen to be preserved.

Three types of intervention are possible:

• Removal of the cyst with preservation of the spleen. If the formation is located superficially, the surgeon may open it, remove the fluid, and excise part of the wall. In certain cases, the cyst can be removed completely without removing splenic tissue.

• Partial resection of the spleen. If the cyst is located deep within the organ or cannot be safely separated from its tissues, the surgeon removes the affected part of the spleen together with the cyst, preserving the rest of the organ.

• Complete removal of the spleen — splenectomy. Such an intervention may be necessary if the cyst occupies a significant part of the organ, it is impossible to preserve a sufficient amount of healthy tissue, or complications have occurred in which organ-preserving surgery is dangerous.

At the end of the operation, the surgeon checks for bleeding, places a drain if necessary, and closes the puncture sites or applies sutures to the incision. After this, the patient is transferred to the postoperative ward. The duration of hospitalization depends on the extent of the operation, the method of access, and the course of the postoperative period.

During the first few days after surgery, pain in the area of the punctures or incision, weakness, and abdominal discomfort are possible. To improve the patient's well-being, the doctor prescribes painkillers.

After laparoscopic intervention, patients usually recover faster than after open surgery. However, recovery times depend not only on the method of access but also on the extent of the intervention. After removal of a cyst with preservation of the spleen, returning to usual activities usually occurs faster than after partial resection or complete removal of the organ.

Main recommendations for the rehabilitation period:

• Wound care. Keep the puncture or incision sites clean and dry. Take a shower after obtaining the surgeon's permission, and postpone taking baths, visiting swimming pools, and using saunas until the wounds have completely healed.

• Physical activity. Start walking as early as the first day after surgery if you feel well enough. Short walks help reduce the risk of blood clot formation. Prolonged bed rest should be avoided.

• Physical exertion. For 4–6 weeks, do not lift heavy objects, perform abdominal muscle exercises, or engage in strength training. After partial resection of the spleen, restrictions may be longer. Return to contact sports only after obtaining the surgeon's permission because of the risk of injury to the organ.

• Nutrition. During the first few hours after anesthesia, start with a small amount of water, then gradually resume eating. Start with small portions of light food: porridge, soups, vegetable puree, and lean meat. During the first few days, avoid fatty and fried dishes, alcohol, and foods that cause bloating. Gradually expand your diet if there is no nausea or abdominal discomfort.

After an uncomplicated laparoscopic operation, it is often possible to return to work that does not involve physical exertion within 1–3 weeks. After open surgery, full recovery may take 6–8 weeks. These timeframes are approximate and depend on the extent of the operation and the characteristics of healing.

Doctors at Oxford Medical warn: if increasing abdominal pain, bleeding, redness, or purulent discharge from the wound appears, it is necessary to seek medical assistance urgently. After a complete splenectomy, an increase in temperature to 38 °C or higher requires urgent medical attention, as an infection can develop very quickly.

The cost of surgical treatment depends on the extent of the intervention and the method of performing it. Removal of only the cyst, partial resection, or complete removal of the spleen have different costs. The price is also affected by the chosen surgical approach — laparoscopic or open.

You can review the prices for medical services in advance here. During the consultation, the surgeon will explain what extent of surgery is necessary in your case and provide guidance regarding its cost. To book an appointment, use the online booking form on the website or call the contact center.

The information is for informational purposes only and does not replace a doctor's consultation.

Sources:

• Canadian Journal of Surgery

• Surgical Management of Nonparasitic Splenic Cysts

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention