VIDEOTHORACOSCOPIC EXCISION OF THORACIC NEUROGENIC TUMORS

Background. Videothoracoscopic surgery is a new procedure for treating neurogenic tumors of the thorax. Feasibility and utility of this tech nique are not yet well defined. Methods. Over a 26-month period, 26 ne urogenic tumors of the thorax were treated in five general thoracic su rgery centers performing videothoracoscopic surgery. Indications and c ontraindications for this new procedure and initial results were retro spectively studied. Results. Contraindications to videothoracoscopy in cluded intraspinal extension of the tumor (n = 3), spinal artery invol vement (n = 2), tumors more than 6 cm in diameter borderline located w ithin the thorax (n = 2), and middle mediastinal location (n = 1). Vid eothoracoscopy was performed in 18 patients. Conversion to thoracotomy was required in 3. In 1 patient, subsequent chest wall resection was performed because of malignancy. Postoperative hospital stay was uneve ntful. It was shorter after videothoracoscopy. Postsurgical pain was m ore acute in patients who had thoracotomy or conversion to thoracotomy . Conclusions. Videothoracoscopy is a good alternative for managing ne urogenic tumors of the thorax when deemed feasible. There is a tendenc y toward a shorter hospital stay with less pain in patients treated by this new procedure.