Unusual case of an ectopic pre-uterine spleen

ABSTRACT: Ectopic spleens are rare and most commonly occur congenitally, but also after trauma or pregnancy. They may be asymptomatic or cause pain due to pressure or torsion of the vascular pedicle. They may even extend into the small pelvis. We report on a 30-year-old patient with lower abdominal pain and the desire to have children. The spleen was located in front of the uterus in the lower abdomen. In case of pregnancy, the growing uterus could cause vascular torsion with recurrent pain, or complications could occur during a caesarean section. Thus, the indication for surgery was made in cooperation between surgeons, gynecologists and the patient. We preferred the laparoscopic splenectomy as the simplest operation rather than the splenopexy. The operation and post-operative course were uneventful, so she was able to be discharged on the 4th post-operative day. Ultimately, the decision of treatment modality remains individually.