Wandering hemi-spleen: Laparoscopic management of wandering spleen in a case of polysplenia.

INTRODUCTION

Several congenital anomalies of the spleen have been reported. The polysplenia is a rare anomaly in which the normal spleen is replaced with two or more smaller spleens. The wandering spleen is another anomaly resulting from the laxity of the splenic ligaments. The concomitance of both anomalies is very rare.

PRESENTATION OF A CASE

A 22-year old female patient presented with intermittent left hypochondrial pain for more than a year. After a thorough examination of the patient, she only had bilateral accessory nipples. Routine laboratory investigations were all normal. An abdominal ultrasound U/S scan was unremarkable except for a ptotic spleen. with a large splenule 5cm×3cm located near the fundus of the stomach. These findings were confirmed by a CT scan. A decision for a surgical intervention was then made, and the laparoscopic approach was chosen which revealed the condition. Laparoscopic removal of the wandering part was executed. The patient discharged on the first post-operative day.

DISCUSSION

The decision making in cases of wandering spleen is not always the same. The association of a wandering spleen with polysplenia is an asset to the surgical decision, along with the age of the patient.

CONCLUSION

The laparoscopic approach is an important tool in the diagnosis and management of wandering spleen. The diagnosis of polysplenic anomaly could provide a guidance for the surgical strategy in patients with wandering spleen.