Robot-assisted resection of a retrocaval peridiaphragmatic mass.

A peridiaphragmatic mass that is located in the retrocaval space typically requires a wide incision and retraction of the peritoneal organs or great vessels to remove the mass. The laparoscopic method is very challenging because of unsatisfactory visual fields and a lack of range of movement from the instruments. We present the advantages of robotic surgery in the removal of deep retrocaval tumors, a procedure that requires careful dissection and minimal retraction.