A minimally invasive approach to the treatment of aberrant splenic artery aneurysms:: A report of two cases

Symptomatic aneurysms of an aberrant splenic artery originating from the superior mesenteric artery are rare, with only five previous reports in the literature. The retropancreatic position renders their treatment more complex than aneurysms of orthotopic splenic arteries. Traditional treatment has been open surgical repair, with or without maintenance of flow through the splenic artery. We present our experience with two patients treated with a combination of coil embolization and laparoscopic occlusion of the splenic artery achieved by developing a retropancreatic plane and applying clips immediately distal to the aneurysm. This appears a promising minimally invasive technique to treat this rare condition. Long term follow up, however, is necessary to determine the applicability and results.