Vertical partial splenectomy for epidermoid cyst.

Benign lesions of the spleen usually can be surgically removed by partial splenectomy. When the lesion is longitudinal and occupies most or the entire length of the spleen, partial splenectomy using the common surgical technique, based on the distribution of the organ's blood supply, is impossible. A new approach for "vertical" partial splenectomy for epidermoid cyst is described, using splenic artery occlusion and straight suture needles.