Thoracic neuroblastoma resection

Abstract

Thoracoscopic reception of neuroblastoma can be performed safely in tumors diagnosed in a particular stage of the disease. Large size of the tumor mass and certain stages of the tumor may offer limitations to the thoracoscopic approach. The procedure is technically demanding and requires good knowledge of surgical anatomy of the affected area through imaging investigations. The chapter outlines the operation room setup, positioning of the patient, special instruments required for the procedure and the port placement sites. The indications, contraindications, preoperative considerations and technical considerations during thoracoscopic neuroblastoma resections have been listed. Possible procedural variations have been outlined. The surgical procedure has been explained step-by-step using high quality images. © 2009 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.