Ultrasound-guided percutaneous sclerosis of congenital splenic cysts using ethyl alcohol 96% and minocycline hydrochloride 10%: A pediatric series

Safety and Effectiveness of Sclerotherapy for Nonparasitic Splenic Cysts: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

To assess the reported safety and effectiveness of sclerotherapy for the treatment of nonparasitic splenic cysts through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library through July 2023 was performed. Studies including at least 5 patients reporting percutaneous sclerotherapy of nonparasitic splenic cysts, initial and posttreatment cyst size, clinical symptoms as well as adverse events (AEs), and recurrence rates were included. A 0-8-point scale for case reports and case series was used to assess bias. Data were analyzed using random-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-three of 833 citations were selected for full-text assessment, and 7 studies were included for a total of 99 patients. The methodological quality of the studies included scored 3-7. Composite analysis demonstrated 38% (95% CI, 23%-55%) rate of recurrence after treatment with significant heterogeneity; however, when assessed for a cyst size of <8 cm, recurrence dropped to 7% (95% CI, 2%-20%). Residual symptoms after treatment completion were present in 17% (95% CI, 7%-33%). Intraprocedural and postprocedural AE rates were 6% (95% CI, 3%-13%) and 6% (95% CI, 3%-12%) respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Sclerotherapy of splenic cysts seemed to be safe, with a high rate of recurrence for cysts ≥8 cm.

Primary non-parasitic splenic cyst: US- and fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous management by alcohol sclerosis on six patients

PURPOSE

This manuscript aims to report on a retrospective analysis of six patients treated with combined US- and fluoroscopic-guided percutaneous alcohol sclerosis for primary non-parasitic splenic cysts.

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis, three females and three males affected by primary non-parasitic splenic cysts were included. All except one were symptomatic. Preoperative cyst diameter was in mean 113 mm (range: 67-210 mm). Ethanol 96% was adopted as sclerosant agent; the amount of ethanol injected corresponded to the 20%-30% of the cystic volume. US follow-up was planned at 2/4 weeks; MR follow-up was conducted almost at 6 months after the last treatment session. Technical success was considered as cyst disappearance or reduction of the maximum diameter <50 mm; clinical success, in those symptomatic cases, was considered as symptoms resolution or marked improvement.

RESULTS

Eleven procedures had been performed: one in three patients, three in two patients and two in one patient. Technical success was 83.3%; clinical success was 80%. Only one patient, with a preoperative cystic diameter of 210 mm and despite three treatment sessions, had an increase in the cystic size and did not report symptoms improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

In this sample, US-guided percutaneous alcohol sclerosis was a safe and effective spleen preserving option to treat primary non-parasitic splenic cysts.

Laparoscopic management of benign splenic tumors in children

Background

The splenic tumor is relatively rare in children. However, diagnosing and managing this disease remain controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and pathological features of benign splenic tumors and to explore the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic splenectomy in children.

Methods

The clinical data of all patients who were diagnosed with benign splenic tumors and admitted to our center between January 2014 and December 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Factors that were documented included demographic criteria, clinical manifestations, preoperative examinations, surgical methods, histopathological characteristics, postoperative complications and outcomes.

Results

Totally, 24 consecutive patients with a mean age of 10.21±2.59 years were operated laparoscopically. Nine patients presented with recurrent abdominal pain, vomiting or backache. The remaining 15 cases were asymptomatic and were identified incidentally. Laparoscopic total splenectomy (LTS) was performed in 12 cases, laparoscopic partial splenectomy (LPS) in 9 cases and deroofing of splenic cyst in 3 cases. No significant differences were observed in operation time, intraoperative bleeding and postoperative abdominal drainage between the LTS and LPS groups. Histopathology examination reported 12 cases of splenic epithelial cyst, 5 cases of splenic lymphangioma or lymphatic malformation, 3 cases of splenic hamartoma, 3 cases of splenic littoral cell angioma and 1 case of splenic hemangioma. No postoperative complications and tumor recurrence were observed.

Conclusions

It is still difficult to precisely diagnose the splenic tumor preoperatively. Laparoscopic splenectomy is safe and feasible in treating the benign splenic tumors, and partial splenectomy is of great significance in preserving the immune function in children.

Management of nonparasitic splenic cysts in children: A French multicenter review of 100 cases

BACKGROUND

The management of nonparasitic splenic cysts (NPSC) remains controversial. Surgical resection is indicated for symptomatic or complicated forms, but no guidelines are available for asymptomatic NPSC. The aims of this study were to evaluate the management of NPSC in French hospitals and to analyze the results of management.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective multicenter study from January 2004 to December 2014 in 16 university hospitals in France. Patients with a follow-up less than 6months were excluded. Data were extracted from the medical reports.

RESULTS

One hundred patients were included. Median follow-up was 12.8months. No complications were observed for NPSC smaller than 5cm. The size of NPSC increased significantly between the ages of 10 and 12years. Fifteen patients were under observation; 58.3% of cysts decreased in size and 41.7% remained stable. Among the 85 operated patients, no recurrence occurred in the splenectomy group, while 11 recurrences were observed in the cystectomy group (57.9%), 3 of which required redo surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Observation is a safe treatment option for asymptomatic NPSC smaller than 5cm. Surgery is indicated for symptomatic patients, and can be proposed for asymptomatic NPSC larger than 5cm. Laparoscopic partial splenectomy is the technique of choice. Follow-up must be continued until the end of puberty.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE RATING

Level III.