Laparoscopic resection of retroperitoneal benign neurilemmoma

Traumatic retroperitoneal neuroma at the site of prior radical nephrectomy: A case report

We present a case of a 68-year-old male with past history of renal cell carcinoma and radical nephrectomy, who developed a traumatic retroperitoneal neuroma at the site of his prior surgery thirteen years later which initially was thought to be a cancer recurrence. We review the patient's past medical history, clinical presentation, and disease course. Finally, we provide a brief review of retroperitoneal peripheral nerve lesions and discuss current approaches to their management.

Comprehensive neurosurgical and visceral surgical therapy of retroperitoneal nerve tumors: a descriptive and retrospective analysis

Nerve tumors in the retroperitoneal space are a rarity. Radical surgery according to soft tissue tumors can lead to persistent pain and neurological deficits. This study aims to evaluate clinical outcomes of patients treated by a visceral- / neurosurgical approach. 33 patients with a retroperitoneal nerve tumor underwent surgery between 01/2002 and 12/2022 at our department. A visceral surgeon provided access to the retroperitoneal space, followed by micro-neurosurgical tumor preparation under neuromonitoring. Clinical examination and MRI were performed 12 weeks after surgery and further 3 months (WHO grade > 1) or 12 months (WHO grade 1). Further examinations were based on MRI findings and residual symptoms with median follow-up time of 24 months. One patient was treated for two distinct masses resulting in a total of 34 histological findings. Schwannomas (n = 15; 44.1%) and neurofibromas (n = 10; 29.4%) were the most common tumors. Long-term improvements were noted in radicular pain (15/18 patients; 83.3%), motor deficits (7/16 patients; 43.8%), abdominal discomfort and pain (5/7 patients; 71.4%). Recurrences were observed in 3/33 (9,1%) patients. This study represents the largest series of retroperitoneal BPNSTs treated with microsurgical techniques. Prospective multicenter studies are warranted to establish standardized treatment guidelines.

Utility of Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Surgery for Retroperitoneal Tumors

Introduction

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery for benign retroperitoneal tumors is often challenging because of variations in the tumor location and size. In this study, we present a retroperitoneal laparoscopic resection technique used at our institution to treat benign retroperitoneal tumors.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective case series included nine consecutive patients who underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic tumor resection between 2011 and 2023. We analyzed patients' clinical characteristics and perioperative outcomes.

Results

There were four women and five men with a median age of 44 (range, 15-70) years and a median body mass index of 22.0 (range, 17.8-29.2) kg/m2. Among the nine tumors resected, 7 were located in the right suprahilar region, 1 in the left suprahilar region, and 1 in the left infrahilar region. The median maximal tumor diameter was 3.0 cm (range, 1.8-12). The median operative time and estimated blood loss were 144 minutes (range, 76-358) and 7 mL (range, 1-479), respectively. No major perioperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3) or conversion to open surgery were recorded. Pathological examination confirmed negative surgical margins in all cases.

Conclusions

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic resection was found to be a feasible and safe approach for treating benign retroperitoneal tumors.

Navigating the Labyrinth: Chylothorax and Chylous Ascites Unveiled After Abdominal Surgery for an Exceptionally Rare Tumor

Schwannomas, originating from the Schwann sheath of peripheral or cranial nerves, are rare tumors commonly found in the head and neck or extremities. Adrenal schwannomas, however, are exceedingly rare, accounting for less than 1% of all adrenal tumors. Here, we present a case of a 31-year-old Caucasian woman diagnosed with an adrenal schwannoma, which was incidentally discovered during imaging studies for an unrelated issue. Following laparoscopic adrenalectomy, the patient developed chylous ascites (CA) and coexistent chylothorax, posing a diagnostic challenge and necessitating a multidisciplinary approach to management.

Safety and efficacy of laparoscopic transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal resection for benign retroperitoneal tumors: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Benign retroperitoneal tumors (BRTs) are clinically rare solid tumors. This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal resection for BRTs.

METHODS

The clinical data of 43 patients who had pathologically confirmed BRTs and underwent laparoscopic resection in a single center from January 2019 to May 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical methods: the Transperitoneal approach group (n = 24) and the Retroperitoneal approach group (n = 19). The clinical characteristics and perioperative data between the two groups were compared. The baseline data and surgical variables were analyzed to determine the impact of different surgical approaches on the treatment outcomes of BRTs.

RESULTS

No significant difference was observed between the two groups in gender, age, body mass index, the American Society of Anesthesiologists score, presence of underlying diseases, tumor size, tumor position, operation duration, intraoperative hemorrhage, postoperative hospital stay, intestinal function recovery time, and postoperative complication rate. The conversion rate from laparoscopic to open surgery was significantly lower in the Transperitoneal approach group than in the Retroperitoneal approach group (1/24 vs. 5/19, χ2 = 4.333, P = 0.037). Tumor size was an independent influencing factor for the effect of surgery (odds ratio = 1.869, 95% confidence interval = 1.135-3.078, P = 0.014) and had a larger efficacy on the retroperitoneal group (odds ratio = 3.740, 95% confidence interval = 1.044-13.394, P = 0.043).

CONCLUSION

The laparoscopic transperitoneal approach has the inherent advantages of anatomical hierarchies and surgical space, providing a better optical perspective of the targeted mass and improved bleeding control. This approach may have better efficacy than the retroperitoneal approach, especially in cases of a large tumor or when the tumor is located near important blood vessels.

Integrated Neurosurgical Management of Retroperitoneal Benign Nerve Sheath Tumors

Peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNST) of the retroperitoneum are rare and are often treated by general surgeons dealing with retroperitoneal cancers. However, resection without the correct microsurgical technique can cause permanent neurological deficits and pain. Here, we discuss our interdisciplinary approach based on the integration of expertise from neurosurgery and abdominal surgery, allowing for both safe exposure and nerve-sparing microsurgical resection of these lesions. We present a series of 15 patients who underwent resection of benign retroperitoneal or pelvic PNST at our institution. The mean age of patients was 48.4 years; 67% were female. Tumors were 14 schwannomas and 1 neurofibroma. Eight patients (53%) reported neurologic symptoms preoperatively. The rate of complete resection was 87% (n = 13); all symptomatic patients showed improvement of their preoperative symptoms. There were no postoperative motor deficits; one patient (7%) developed a permanent sensory deficit. At a mean postoperative follow-up of 31 months, we observed no recurrences. To our best knowledge, this is the second-largest series of benign retroperitoneal PNST consistently managed with microsurgical techniques. Our experience confirms that interdisciplinary management allows for safe treatment of these tumors with good neurological and oncological outcomes.

Adrenal Schwannoma: Case Description and Diagnostic Pointers of a Rare Disease

Benign nerve sheath tumours such as schwannomas commonly involve the peripheral and cranial nerves. A schwannoma in the adrenal gland is a very rare occurrence, which arises from the adrenal medulla. Its most common presentation is a non-functional incidentaloma. It does not have any unique imaging characteristic distinguishing it from other adrenal masses; hence, its diagnosis is usually confirmed by final histopathology. In this report, we present two cases of an adrenal schwannoma for which we anticipated an unusual diagnosis, which was confirmed through adrenalectomy on histopathology.

Surgical Management of Symptomatic Lumbar, Sacral, and Lumbosacral Plexus Tumors: a Peripheral Nerve Unit Experience

OBJECTIVE

Data concerning the surgical treatment of lumbosacral plexus tumors (LSPTs) is scarce. This study aims to present our experience with a series of 19 patients surgically treated for symptomatic LSPTs at our institution.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of 19 patients surgically treated for symptomatic LSPTs from 2011 to 2019. Clinical data were retrieved from medical records and consisted of age, gender, clinical presentation, location of the lesion, surgical approach, final histopathologic diagnosis, follow-up time, outcomes, and complications.

RESULTS

Nineteen surgical procedures were conducted. Thirteen patients were female and six, male. The median age of patients was 45 years (range 20 to 63 years). No patients harbored genetic syndromes. Surgical treatment appears to be correlated to the reduction of pain in patients with peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs), as assessed by visual analog scale (VAS). Sixteen patients did not present with new-onset deficits during follow-up (84.2%), two of whom recovered from their preoperative deficit. Four patients presented with postoperative weakness. The histopathological diagnoses were 11 schwannomas, four neurofibromas, three metastases, and one lymphoma.

CONCLUSIONS

LSPTs are rare. When surgical treatment is indicated, it usually requires multidisciplinary management. Surgery appears to be effective concerning the reduction of pain in PNSTs and may also recover neurological deficits. Iatrogenic neurological deficits are an evident risk, such that intraoperative multimodal monitoring should always be performed if available. In lesions involving the sacral plexus, we found it to be indispensable.

Minimally Invasive Surgery of Primary Retroperitoneal Tumors from the Perspective of General Surgeons: 6 Years of Experience at a Single Institution

Objective: This retrospective study aimed to present our surgical experience in patients with primary retroperitoneal tumors (PRTs) who underwent laparoscopic surgery and to compare the results with those of patients who underwent an open operation. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the medical data of patients who underwent retroperitoneal tumor resection through laparoscopic surgery or open operation between February 2014 and November 2019. Results: In total, 77 patients were enrolled. In total, 37 patients underwent open surgery and 40 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery. The tumor size in the open surgery group (10.2 ± 5.4 cm) was more significant than that in the laparoscopic surgery group (6.5 ± 3.1 cm) (P < .001). No difference was observed in operative time, blood loss, and transfusion between the two groups. Postoperative hospitalization in the open group (8.43 ± 2.77 days) was longer than that in the laparoscopic group (5.63 ± 2.16 days) (P < .001). The patients with PRTs in the IV area had minimal bleeding (16.67 ± 40.82 mL) and minimum postoperative hospitalization (3.83 ± 1.60 days). Conclusions: Laparoscopic resection of PRT is feasible in the selection of appropriate cases. The advantages are small trauma, light pain, quick recovery, and short hospital stay. It is especially suitable for benign PRTs with small size and cystic or small adhesion with vital organs or great vessels.

Decision Making in Retroperitoneal Nerve Sheath and Nerve-Associated Tumors: A Modular Approach

BACKGROUND

Surgical treatment of retroperitoneal nerve and nerve-associated tumors is challenging, especially in cases with large extent. A single surgical access may have limitations and jeopardize patients.

OBJECTIVE

To present a series of patients to illustrate our individually tailored treatment concept and decision pathway.

METHODS

Retrospectively, clinical findings and imaging were related to surgical features and outcome. An algorithm for choice of approach was established.

RESULTS

From 2012 to 2017, we operated on n = 13 patients with retroperitoneal tumors, of these n = 9 were included (n = 6 female, n = 3 male). Histological findings included n = 2 schwannomas, n = 2 malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, n = 1 non-origin sarcoma, n = 1 perineurioma, n = 1 intraneural ganglion cyst, n = 1 lymphoma, and n = 1 paraganglioma. In n = 6 patients, we used a monoportal (retroperitoneal/transperitoneal) approach; in n = 2 patients, a biportal retroperitoneal to inguinal/transperitoneal to dorsal approach; and in n = 1 patient, a triportal transperitoneal to dorsal to gluteal approach. In n = 2 patients, we performed an open biopsy only; in n = 2 patients, a tumor enucleation; in n = 3 patients, a subtotal function-sparing resection; in n = 1 patient, a complete resection; and in n = 1 patient, intraneural decompression. In n = 1 patient, a new motor deficit appeared. n = 4 patients required further radio-oncological treatment. n = 8/9 patients are alive without tumor progress or recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Retroperitoneal nerve or nerve-associated tumors encompass multiple entities. Depending on suspected histology and tumor extension, extensile or combined surgical approaches may be necessary. We present our algorithm for assessment and decision-making regarding surgical access ports and pathways.

Retroperitoneal robot-assisted resection of a lower posterior mediastinal benign schwannoma using a transdiaphragmatic approach: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Neurogenic tumors are the most frequent neoplasms of the lower posterior mediastinum. Traditionally, lower posterior mediastinal tumors are excised by video-assisted thoracic surgery. However, the available robotic treatment for the lower posterior mediastinum tumors to date are rare. Herein, we report a case of a right lower posterior mediastinal tumors successfully treated with retroperitoneal robot-assisted surgery using a transdiaphragmatic approach.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 54-year-old male patient without any symptoms was admitted into our department with a right lower posterior mediastinal paravertebral tumor that was detected during a medical check-up.

DIAGNOSIS

A right lower posterior mediastinal paravertebral tumor.

INTERVENTIONS

Retroperitoneal robot-assisted resection using a transdiaphragmatic approach was performed.

OUTCOMES

The patient was treated with retroperitoneal robot-assisted surgery using a transdiaphragmatic approach and remained disease-free throughout a 6-month follow-up. His postoperative course was uneventful. Histopathological examination revealed a benign schwannoma.

CONCLUSION

Our initial experience showed that retroperitoneal robot-assisted resection of a lower posterior mediastinal tumor using a transdiaphragmatic approach is technically feasible and can be considered a potential alternative for either video-assisted thoracic surgery or a thoracotomy.

An interdisciplinary approach for laparoscopic removal of a large retroperitoneal pelvic schwannoma attached to vital vessels: A case report

RATIONALE

Retroperitoneal schwannomas are very rare and may grow very close to major abdominal vessels. Since the surgical approach to the retroperitoneal space may be complex due to surrounding vital organs, including major vessels, laparoscopic surgery is challenging and has only been recently adopted. Here, we report a case of laparoscopic resection of a large retroperitoneal schwannoma attached to large vital vessels.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 62-year-old woman presented with a chief complaint of pain in the lower right limb with consequent claudication, which had lasted for approximately 1 year.

DIAGNOSES

Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a solid oval mass measuring 45 × 32 × 39 mm, located medially to the right iliopsoas muscle at the level of the intersomatic space between the 5th lumbar vertebra and the 1st sacral vertebra. This mass was inhomogeneously hypointense in T2 due to the presence of cystic areas, with intense and inhomogeneous contrast enhancement, compatible with the diagnosis of a schwannoma. The mass compressed the inferior caval vein near its bifurcation and the right common iliac vein, anteriorly dislocating the ipsilateral iliac arterial axis.

INTERVENTIONS

A multidisciplinary team skilled in vascular and pelvic laparoscopy was involved. The patient underwent laparoscopic surgery via an anterior transperitoneal approach with right adnexectomy and radical excision of the tumor. The surgery lasted 120 minutes without intraoperative complications. Blood loss was less than 100 mL. The histologic diagnosis was a benign Schwannoma; grade I according to World Health Organization classification.

OUTCOMES

The postoperative course was uneventful. At the 10-month follow-up, the patient had no recurrences and was asymptomatic.

LESSONS

Laparoscopic removal of large retroperitoneal schwannomas, even if attached to major vital vessels, is feasible and safe when performed by experienced surgeons.

The natural history of incidental retroperitoneal schwannomas

The natural history of asymptomatic retroperitoneal schwannomas is poorly understood. This study aimed at investigating the natural history of incidental retroperitoneal schwannomas. The medical charts and imaging studies of 22 asymptomatic patients under observation for at least 12 months for retroperitoneal schwannomas were reviewed. The duration of follow-up ranged between 13 and 176 months (mean 48 months). In the 22 patients managed by the “wait and see” approach, the average tumor size at initial presentation was 51 mm, which increased to 57 mm at final follow-up. During the final follow-up, 2 patients required surgical treatment for tumor enlargement, while the remaining patients remained asymptomatic without surgery. The average growth rate of the tumors was 1.9 mm/year (range: -1.9 to 8.7 mm/year). The majority of asymptomatic retroperitoneal schwannomas demonstrate minimal growth and may be suitable for management with the “wait and see” approach.

Laparoscopic excision of a retroperitoneal schwannoma: A case report

Schwannomas are tumors originating from the Schwann cells of the peripheral nerve sheath. Only 1%-3% of schwannomas reportedly occur in the pelvis. In a 67-year-old man, a pelvic mass that was 52 mm in diameter was incidentally diagnosed during a preoperative CT evaluation for prostate cancer. Preoperative 3-D reconstruction CT showed that the feeding artery to the tumor originated from the internal iliac artery and the drainage vein from the internal iliac vein. Each vessel could be isolated, clipped, and cut with minimal bleeding. The tumor was easily dissected from adjacent structures and was completely resected via laparoscopic surgery. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry of the excised specimen revealed a benign schwannoma. Using 3-D reconstruction to recognize a tumor's positional relation with the supplying vessels is important for avoiding complications during laparoscopic resection in the narrow pelvis. Laparoscopic resection is safe, feasible, and effective for retroperitoneal schwannoma.

Retroperitoneal malignant schwannoma in a child

Retroperitoneal malignant schwannomas are extremely rare. Only a few cases have been reported, only one of which occurred in a child. We herein report a case of retroperitoneal malignant schwannoma in a 2-year-old boy who presented with a painless mass in the right lumbar region. The mass had gradually enlarged during a 1-year period, and it was about the size of the patient's fist at the time of consultation. Whole-abdomen computed tomography revealed a space-occupying lesion in the retroperitoneum infiltrating from the L1 to L4 spinal canal. A preoperative diagnosis of a retroperitoneal tumor was made, and complete tumorectomy was performed. Postoperative pathological examination showed a malignant schwannoma. The tumor recurred 1 month after the first operation, and a second complete excision was carried out; the postoperative pathologic examination findings were similar to the previous findings. The patient recovered well and continued to undergo close follow-up.