Laparoscopic approach for treatment of a primary splenic cyst.

We present the case of a 24-year-old woman with a symptomatic primary splenic cyst, and we relate our first experience with laparoscopic resection of the extrasplenic wall of the cyst. The procedure was successful, and the patient was discharged asymptomatic two days following surgery. We describe the surgical technique used and comment on some pathologic and tactical aspects. We conclude by remarking on the association of the beneficial advantages of minimally invasive surgery with the demand for more conservative splenic surgical procedures. Therefore, laparoscopic partial cystectomy may be a useful alternative for patients who require an effective treatment for nonparasitic splenic cysts.