Spleen-Preserving Surgery Versus Splenectomy for Splenic Hydatid Cyst: Ten Years Experience

Background: Although rare,the spleen is the third most common location of hydatid disease after liver and lung. The aim of this study was to analyze the long-term outcome of surgical treatment of patients with splenic echinococcosis comparing spleen-preserving surgery with splenectomy.

Materials and Methods: During a period of 10 years (1996-2006), 20 patients with splenic echinococcosis entered our study as test and control groups. In our series the spleen was the only organ involved. Splenectomy was performed in the control group and spleen preserving drainage of cyst in test group.

Results: There was no significant difference between the splenectomy and spleen-preserving groups concerning median hospital stay, postoperative complication rate and recurrence. (p<0.5) The median follow-up in 15 patients was 52 (range 6-300) months.

Discussion: In the present series it was possible to preserve the spleen affected by hydatid cyst without significant increase of recurrent echinococcosis.