An interdisciplinary approach for laparoscopic removal of a large retroperitoneal pelvic schwannoma attached to vital vessels: A case report

Rationale: Retroperitoneal schwannomas are very rare and may grow very close to major abdominal vessels. Since the surgical approach to the retroperitoneal space may be complex due to surrounding vital organs, including major vessels, laparoscopic surgery is challenging and has only been recently adopted. Here, we report a case of laparoscopic resection of a large retroperitoneal schwannoma attached to large vital vessels. Patient concerns: A 62-year-old woman presented with a chief complaint of pain in the lower right limb with consequent claudication, which had lasted for approximately 1 year. Diagnoses: Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a solid oval mass measuring 45 × 32 × 39 mm, located medially to the right iliopsoas muscle at the level of the intersomatic space between the 5th lumbar vertebra and the 1st sacral vertebra. This mass was inhomogeneously hypointense in T2 due to the presence of cystic areas, with intense and inhomogeneous contrast enhancement, compatible with the diagnosis of a schwannoma. The mass compressed the inferior caval vein near its bifurcation and the right common iliac vein, anteriorly dislocating the ipsilateral iliac arterial axis. Interventions: A multidisciplinary team skilled in vascular and pelvic laparoscopy was involved. The patient underwent laparoscopic surgery via an anterior transperitoneal approach with right adnexectomy and radical excision of the tumor. The surgery lasted 120 minutes without intraoperative complications. Blood loss was less than 100 mL. The histologic diagnosis was a benign Schwannoma; grade I according to World Health Organization classification. Outcomes: The postoperative course was uneventful. At the 10-month follow-up, the patient had no recurrences and was asymptomatic. Lessons: Laparoscopic removal of large retroperitoneal schwannomas, even if attached to major vital vessels, is feasible and safe when performed by experienced surgeons.