An Unusual Case of Accessory Spleen Found During Laparoscopic Surgery: A Clinical Anatomy Case Report

Accessory spleens are rare anatomical variants that can be found in up to 16% of the population. They are usually discovered incidentally during radiologic imaging or autopsy. However, they can also be encountered during surgical procedures, especially laparoscopy. Here we present a case of an accessory spleen found during laparoscopic surgery for an unrelated condition. The patient was a 43-year-old female with a history of chronic pelvic pain who underwent laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis. During the procedure, an accessory spleen was found near the splenic hilum. The anatomy and function of accessory spleens are discussed, along with their clinical relevance and potential implications for laparoscopic surgery.