Laparoscopic excision of retroperitoneal tumors - Technique and review of the laparoscopic experience

A technique for laparoscopic excision of benign retroperitoneal tumors, inc luding a teratoma and two cystic lesions, is described. Laparoscopic resect ion of a 12-cm retroperitoneal teratoma was accomplished with the patient i n the left lateral decubitus position. Medial mobilization of the ascending colon and the duodenum was required for access to the lesion. Resections o f two cystic lesions (measuring 20 cm and 12 cm) were performed with the pa tients in the lithotomy position. The colon required medial mobilization in both cases to gain access to the cysts. Once the cysts were dissected from surrounding structures, they were punctured, and the aspirated fluid was s ent for cytologic analysis. There were no complications or conversions. Mea n operating time was 122 minutes (range, 80-190). Patients were discharged 1 day after surgery, requiring only nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicati ons for analgesia. Retroperitoneal tumors can be resected laparoscopically with careful preoperative investigation and meticulous laparoscopic techniq ue. A major advantage of laparoscopic resections is that the patient recove rs rapidly with minimal morbidity.