Total laparoscopic resection by medial-retroperitoneal approach using virtual navigation: two case reports of primary retroperitoneal schwannoma

Background We report two rare cases of retroperitoneal schwannoma completely resected by a laparoscopic medial-retroperitoneal approach aided by virtual navigation. Three-dimensional images have been used in liver and lung surgery, but there are few prior reports on retroperitoneal surgery. Case presentation These two case reports are of a 60-year-old man and a 40-year-old man with asymptomatic retroperitoneal schwannoma. In both cases, the tumors were located in the right renal hilum and were close to the duodenum, right ureter, and inferior vena cava. Simulation using three-dimensional images was performed before surgery, and a medial-retroperitoneal approach was performed to secure a wide surgical field. During the operation, we confirmed the location of the main feeder and the relationship between the tumor and organs with those shown on the three-dimensional images and performed total laparoscopic resection. Conclusion The medial-retroperitoneal approach provides operative safety. Preoperative simulation and intraoperative navigation with three-dimensional images, which can be freely rotated and interactively visualized from any angle, are useful methods to enhance the surgeon’s understanding of a patient’s specific anatomy and are especially effective when resecting a retroperitoneal tumor that is located in an anatomically deep and complex location.

Total Laparoscopic Resection by Retroperitoneal Approach Using Virtual Navigation: Two Case Reports of Primary Retroperitoneal Schwannoma

Background: We report two rare cases of retroperitoneal schwannoma completely resected by laparoscopic retroperitoneal approach aided by virtual navigation.Case presentation: These two case reports are of a 60‐year‐old man and a 40‐year‐old man with asymptomatic retroperitoneal schwannoma. In both cases, the tumors were located in the right renal hilum and were close to the duodenum, right ureter, and inferior vena cava. Simulation using three-dimensional images was performed before surgery, and a retroperitoneal approach was performed to secure a wide surgical field. During the operation, we confirmed the location of the main feeder and the relationship between the tumor and organs with those shown on the three-dimensional images and performed total laparoscopic resection.Conclusion: The retroperitoneal approach provides operative safety. Preoperative simulation and intraoperative navigation with three-dimensional images are useful methods to enhance the surgeon’s understanding of a patient’s specific anatomy and are especially effective when resecting a retroperitoneal tumor that is located in an anatomically deep and complex location.

A Case of Incidental Schwannoma Mimicking Necrotic Metastatic Lymph Node from Bladder Cancer

Background and Objectives: Retroperitoneal schwannoma is a very rare case of schwannoma which commonly occurs in the other part of the body. However, it is difficult to distinguish schwannoma from other tumors before pathological examination because they do not show specific characteristics on imaging study such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance image (MRI). Case summary: A 60-year-old male showed a retroperitoneal cystic tumor which is found incidentally during evaluation of coexisted bladder tumor. Neurogenic tumor was suspicious for the retroperitoneal tumor through pre-operative imaging study. Finally, a schwannoma was diagnosed by immunohistochemical examination after complete surgical excision laparoscopically. Conclusion: As imaging technology is developed, there may be more chances to differentiate schwannoma from other neoplasm. However, still surgical resection and histopathological examination is feasible for diagnosis of schwannoma.