Comparison of VATS and Thoracotomy Results in Mediastinal Neurogenic Tumors

Objective: In this study, we aimed to compare the results of patients who underwent surgery by thoracotomy and Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in mediastinal neurogenic tumors.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-six consecutive cases (12 males and 14 females; mean age 39.4 ± 22.3 years; range 1–72 years) who were histopathologically diagnosed as having mediastinal neurogenic tumors between January 2000 and August 2020 were included in a single-center, retrospective study.

Results: There were 5 (19.2%) children and 21 (80.8%) adults. Lesions in all cases were located in the posterior mediastinum. Schwannoma was detected histopathologically in 18 cases (69.2%), and all of these cases were adult patients. Resection was performed by thoracotomy in 14 cases (7 right and 7 left) and 12 cases by thoracoscopy (7 right and 5 left). The mean tumor size was 7.4 ± 1.9 cm (range 5–12 cm) in the thoracotomy group and 4.3 ± 1.9 cm (range 2–7 cm) in the VATS group (P = .001). Mean operative time was 101.7 ± 27.8 min (range 70–150 min) in the thoracotomy group and 77.9 ± 24.3 min (range 60–150 min) in the VATS group (P = .014). Mean postoperative hospital stay was 7.4 ± 4.0 days (range 3–20 days) in the thoracotomy group and 4.7 ± 1.7 days (range 2–7 days) in the VATS group (P = .040).

Conclusion: Most of the mediastinal neurogenic tumors are benign and surgical resection is required in their treatment. With increasing experience, resection can be performed thoracoscopically in most cases.

Cite this article as: Ulas AB, Aydin Y, Eroglu A, Gundogdu B. Comparison of VATS and thoracotomy results in mediastinal neurogenic tumors. Eurasian J Med. 2021; 53(3):214–219