Donald Moe, MD, Mark Hardin, MD, Charles Childers, MD, Mary Gelnett, MD, Daniel Cuadrado, MD. Madigan Army Medical Center
Neurogenic tumors account for the majority of posterior mediastinal masses. Some of these tumors are ganglioneuromas; which are rare, slow growing and generally benign tumors arising from sympathetic ganglion cells. They can occur wherever sympathetic nervous tissue is present and represent approximately ten percent of posterior mediastinal masses. Given their usually benign nature these may be observed; but surgical removal is indicated in the setting of symptoms, diagnostic uncertainty or concern for malignant degeneration. Prior to surgery, it is critical to rule out a pheochromocytoma and rule out intraspinal extension, so-called "dumbbell lesions", as these necessitate a combined approach with neurosurgery to avoid potentially debilitating hemorrhage within the intraspinal component and spinal cord compression. A minimally invasive approach is favored for their removal whenever feasible. We present our center's approach to removal of these masses utilizing a robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. This approach allows for potential next day discharge following overnight inpatient observation.
Presented at the SAGES 2017 Annual Meeting in Houston, TX.
Abstract ID: 86905
Program Number: V112
Presentation Session: Robotics 2 Session
Presentation Type: Video