Thoracoscopic management of posterior mediastinal neurogenic tumours.

Background: This study describes the surgical technique of thoracoscopic resection of posterior mediastinal neurogenic tumours and reporting the surgical outcomes.

Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of 21 patients operated over 7 years in a dedicated thoracic surgery centre. The demographic and post-operative parameters along with complications were recorded and analysed.

Results: Twelve patients had right-sided tumours, while 9 had left-sided lesions, and 9 were on the left side. The most common diagnosis was schwannoma (n = 15, 71.42%), followed by neurofibroma (n = 4, 19.04%). The average surgery duration was 104 min (85-135 min), and the mean blood loss was 120 ml (25 ml-250 ml). The average lesion size was 4.8 cm (2 cm-7 cm). Conversion to open procedure was required in one patient. Two patients (14.2%) developed complications. One patient developed Horner's Syndrome and the other developed post-operative lung atelectasis. The median follow-up was 36 months (6-90 months). No recurrence was observed during the follow-up period.

Conclusions: Thoracoscopic approach to posterior mediastinal neurogenic tumours is feasible and allows for low morbidity, short hospital stay and superior cosmesis.