From the Research
For patients with hemangioma of the spleen, partial splenectomy is recommended as a good surgical treatment option to preserve splenic function, as seen in a case where a 13-year-old boy with hemangioma of the lower pole of the spleen underwent partial splenectomy without bleeding or technical difficulties 1. However, the management of splenic hemangiomas depends on their size, symptoms, and potential risks.
- Small, asymptomatic hemangiomas typically require no treatment and can be monitored with regular ultrasound or CT imaging every 6-12 months to ensure stability.
- Large hemangiomas (greater than 4-5 cm) or those causing symptoms such as abdominal pain or discomfort may require surgical intervention.
- Splenectomy, either through open surgery or laparoscopic approach, is the definitive treatment for symptomatic cases, but partial splenectomy may be considered to preserve splenic function when feasible, as supported by a study where preoperative partial splenic embolization combined with laparoscopic partial splenectomy was an effective therapy for a patient with hemangioma 2.
- Another study reported a case of laparoscopic middle segment splenectomy for central splenic hemangioma, which preserved the upper and lower pole of the spleen and ensured sufficient residual spleen function 3.
- In cases of spontaneous rupture of splenic hemangioma, splenic artery embolization and splenectomy may be necessary, as seen in a case where a patient underwent emergency splenic arteriography and embolization, followed by splenectomy due to severe hypoxemia, shock, and acute respiratory distress syndrome 4. The goal of treatment is to minimize morbidity, mortality, and improve quality of life, and the choice of treatment depends on the individual patient's condition and the expertise of the healthcare team.