Laparoscopic approach to the treatment of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the spleen, case report and literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Benign tumors of the spleen are a rare condition. Their pathogenesis and clinical presentation represent a diagnostic and surgical challenge in the sense of establishing the correct diagnosis and selecting the appropriate surgical approach. Case report: In our paper, we are presenting a 45-year-old female patient who was initially tested and examined because of nonspecific complaints manifesting as occasional pain in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. The values of the laboratory findings were within the reference range and preoperative radiological diagnostics indicated the existence of a mass in the spleen which had the features of a tumor. Based on the preoperative diagnostic finding we decided to perform laparoscopic splenectomy. Postoperative recovery was without adverse events, and the patient has prescribed the necessary vaccination and antibiotic prophylaxis. Conclusion: Myofibroblastic tumor of the spleen represents, as far as its origin is concerned, a mystery, with its very limited and nonspecific presentation of symptoms, which is why each individual case must be approached seriously. Laparoscopy has a very important role in the treatment of this disease, bearing in mind all the advantages of a minimally invasive approach over open surgery.