Background: There have been only four cases of robot-assisted laparoscopic resection of retroperitoneal paraganglioma (PGL) in the literature. Here we present our experience on robot-assisted laparoscopic resection of large PGL in four patients to further evaluate its safety and efficacy.
Methods: From March 2013 to January 2015, four patients with large PGL underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic resection. The tumors were located on the left side and adjacent to the aorta. Patients' demographics, intraoperative and postoperative data were collected, including intraoperative hemodynamic outcomes.
Results: In all cases, the PGLs were successfully removed robotically without conversion to open surgery and no intraoperative or postoperative complication occurred. The operative time ranged from 58-113 min, and estimated blood loss ranged from 50-350 mL. There were no significant intraoperative hemodynamic instabilities. The postoperative hospital stay ranged from 4-6 days.
Conclusions: With the advantages of robotic system, robot-assisted resection of large retroperitoneal PGL is feasible, safe and efficient. The robotic system has the potential to expand surgical treatment modalities for complex PGL. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Keywords: laparoscopy; paraganglioma; robot.
Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.