Laparoscopic resection of retroperitoneal schwannoma near the inferior vena.

Authors :: Gorgun M
Sezer TO
Kirdok O
Source :: Annals of vascular surgery [Ann Vasc Surg] 2010 May; Vol. 24 (4), pp. 551.e1-4. Date of Electronic Publication: 2010 Feb 09.
Publication Year :: 2010
Abstract: Background: Schwannomas are usually benign tumors that arise from the schwann cells in the neural sheaths of peripheral nerves. Most schwannomas occur in the head, neck, or limbs and rarely in the retroperitoneal space. In the retroperitoneal space, schwannomas are most commonly located near the adrenal gland. We report a successfully resected retroperitoneal benign schwannoma near the inferior vena cava (IVC) using laparoscopic surgery.<br />Methods/results: A 33-year-old woman presented with dull abdominal pain for several months. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the existence of a round, sharply demarcated retroperitoneal solid tumor, 42 x 52 mm in size, located between the anterior of the right kidney and the IVC, which was compressed but still patent. The lesion was laparoscopically resected, and pathologic examination revealed a degenerative schwannoma.<br />Conclusion: Laparoscopic surgery is very useful and feasible in the diagnosis and treatment of retroperitoneal schwannoma, with minimal invasiveness and early postoperative recovery.<br /> (Copyright 2010 Annals of Vascular Surgery Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)