Special problems encountering surgical management of large retroperitoneal schwannomas
2008

Surgical Management of Large Retroperitoneal Schwannomas

Sample size: 5 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Theodosopoulos Theodosios, Stafyla Vaia K, Tsiantoula Paraskevi, Yiallourou Anneza, Marinis Athanasios, Kondi-Pafitis Agathi, Chatziioannou Achilleas, Boviatsis Efstathios, Voros Dionysios

Primary Institution: Areteion Hospital, University of Athens, Greece

Hypothesis

The study aims to present experiences in managing retroperitoneal schwannomas and the surgical difficulties encountered.

Conclusion

Complete surgical resection is the treatment of choice for retroperitoneal schwannomas, despite the challenges in preoperative diagnosis.

Supporting Evidence

  • All patients were asymptomatic and none suffered from von Recklinghausen disease.
  • Imaging workup included ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.
  • No recurrences were detected during the follow-up period of 6–75 months.

Takeaway

Doctors studied five patients with rare tumors in their lower backs and found that surgery to remove these tumors worked well.

Methodology

The medical files of 69 patients treated for retroperitoneal tumors were reviewed, with a focus on five patients diagnosed with schwannomas.

Limitations

The study is limited by the small sample size and the retrospective nature of the analysis.

Participant Demographics

Two male and three female patients, mean age 56 years (range 44–67 years).

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1477-7819-6-107

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