Hepatic angiomyolipoma: two case reports of caudate-based lesions and review of the literature.

Two case reports of hepatic angiomyolipoma, both originating in the caudate lobe, are reported with a review of the literature. The liver is the second most common site of angiomyolipoma, an uncommon benign tumor of mixed mesenchymal origin. It is commonly diagnosed following abdominal pain or as an asymptomatic mass discovered on abdominal ultrasound or computed tomography scan.

Laparoscopic splenectomy.

Several indications for laparoscopic splenectomy are represented mainly by hematological disorders such as Idiopatic Thrombopenic Purpura (ITP) or hereditary spherocytosis. Patients with ITP who do not respond, have relapses of the disease under steroid treatment, or need a gradually increased dose of steroids, represent an excellent indication for laparoscopic splenectomy, as the spleen is not enlarged. Patients are usually small, thin, young females, making the procedure much easier.

Laparoscopic management of complications of peptic ulcer disease.

Laparoscopic treatment of intractable duodenal ulcers is intended for the treatment of patients who do not heal after a trial of intensive regimen of medication such as H2 blockers and/or therapy aimed at eradication of Helicobacter pylori. Patients in a category who are Helicobacter-negative can be offered a laparoscopic treatment of their ulcer by vagotomy. Patients who have early relapses on stopping medical treatment are also candidates for vagotomy.

Subtotal splenectomy for Gaucher's disease: a follow-up study.

Three patients with Gaucher's disease who underwent partial splenectomy have been followed for 3, 7 3/4, and 8 1/2 years. All have had significant regrowth of the the splenic remnant and some recurrence of hypersplenism. A review of all previously reported cases also substantiates the recurrence of splenomegaly and hypersplenism.

The clinical spectrum of lymphangiomas and lymphangiomatosis of the spleen.

Lymphangiomas of the spleen are infrequent neoplasms of the spleen with clinical manifestations ranging from insignificant incidental findings to large, symptomatic cystic masses requiring surgical intervention. An associated syndrome may be lymphangiomatosis, in which the lymphangiomatous process involves other sites or organs, such as the liver, spleen, axilla, and mediastinum. Vasoformative neoplasms (hemangioma, lymphangioma) are relatively uncommon tumors or hamartomas of the spleen.