31-Year-Old Recovers After 4 Kg Splenic Cyst Removal, Medicover Hospital

Navi Mumbai: The patient visited the Medicover Hospital with severe abdominal pain, swelling, nausea, and fullness in the upper abdomen for over 10 days. She could barely eat a single bite without discomfort, but today she has recovered and is living a new life after successful treatment.

A team consisting of Dr Chirag Vaja, Consultant Robotics, Laparoscopic and Laser Surgeon, Dr Sarang Bajpai, Consultant General, Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery, and Dr Nitin Dasharath Tawte, General Surgeon, successfully managed a rare case of a large splenic hydatid cyst, 11.2 × 10.5 × 8.6 cm and 4 kg, which is the size of a melon. And 11.2 × 10.5 × 8.6 cm in a 31-year-old woman through a minimally invasive procedure called laparoscopic splenectomy. The patient, who was struggling with unbearable abdominal pain, nausea, and difficulty eating, has now fully recovered and regained her quality of life.

Patient, a resident of Navi Mumbai, struggled due to abdominal pain, nausea, and difficulty eating. When we performed the ultrasound, we saw that the spleen was markedly enlarged with a massive cyst measuring around 17 cm.

The CT scan further confirmed an isolated splenic cyst with calcification, strongly pointing towards a hydatid cyst. What made this case rare and challenging was that hydatid cysts are usually seen in the liver, not in the spleen.

The unusual location and the sheer size of the cyst made timely surgical intervention crucial for the patient’s safety and recovery.

Dr Chirag Vaja, Consultant Robotics, Laparoscopic and Laser Surgeon at Medicover Hospitals said, “A hydatid cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms in internal organs, such as the liver or lungs, due to a parasitic tapeworm infection, primarily from Echinococcus granulosus.

These cysts develop after humans ingest tapeworm eggs from contaminated food or water, which then travel through the bloodstream to lodge in organs and grow.

The cysts can remain dormant for years, but their growth can lead to symptoms or complications, like anaphylaxis, if they rupture. Data show that the splenic hydatid cyst is rare, making up only 0.5% to 4% of all hydatid disease cases worldwide."

Considering the large size of the cyst and its risk of rupture, infection, and anaphylaxis, surgical intervention was necessary. She was scheduled for a laparoscopic splenectomy on 14th August 2025.

Since the cyst had occupied almost the entire spleen, organ preservation was not possible. The spleen was removed intact without puncturing the cyst, thus preventing spillage and recurrence.”

Dr Chirag Vaja further added, “Hydatid cysts of the spleen are extremely rare, and in this case, the size and location of the cyst posed significant risks. Although splenectomy for such cases is commonly performed via open surgery, in this patient, a laparoscopic approach was chosen to enable faster recovery, less postoperative pain, and better cosmetic results.

Performing a laparoscopic splenectomy allowed us to remove a cyst weighing 4 kg, which is the size of a melon, avoiding rupture, spillage, or recurrence.

This approach also meant the patient had minimal pain, faster recovery, and better cosmetic outcomes compared to traditional open surgery. The aim was not only to treat the condition but also to ensure her safe and smooth recovery.

The uneventful procedure and the patient were discharged on day 3 in a stable condition. Currently, the patient is eating well and has no signs of extreme weight gain.

Her symptoms have disappeared completely. The success of this case reflects the importance of advanced laparoscopic techniques that enable us to handle even rare and complex cases with precision.”

Expressing gratitude after her recovery, the patient. said, “When I came to the hospital, I was in constant pain, unable to eat, and scared about what was happening inside me.

The doctors explained everything clearly and gave me the confidence to proceed with surgery. Today, I experienced a renewed sense of life. I thank the entire team at Medicover Hospital for their care and expertise in saving me from this rare condition,".