Thoracoscopic surgical Resection of Thoracic Neurogenic Tumors

Patrick P. Han, MD
Curtis A. Dickman, MD

Introduction:

This report details our clinical experience with thoracoscopy used to resect benign thoracic neurogenic tumors.

Methods:

Between 1995 and 1999, five patients had a thoracic neurogenic tumor resected using thoracoscopic techniques. Their ages ranged from 7– to 52–years old. Three schwannomas were resented, one paraganglioma, and one ganglioneurofibroma. All tumors were entirely intrathoracic except one which had an intraspinal extension. All tumors were treated entirely thoracoscopically except the patient with the intraspinal extension. This tumor required an open two–level laminectomy to excise the intraspinal component after the intrathoracic tumor was removed thoracoscopically.

Results:

Gross total resection was achieved in all cases. The mean operative time was 3.5 hours (range, 2 to 4.5 hours) and all procedures required three portals. The mean estimated blood loss was 160 ml (range, 50 to 300 ml). The mean hospital stay was 3.2 days (range, 2 to 6 days). Mean clinical follow–up was 6.8 months (range, 2 to 16 months). No complications have occurred and all patients are intact neurologically. No patient has any evidence of recurrent disease.