Combined embolization and surgical resection of a giant mediastinal tumor

Abstract

Large mediastinal tumors typically have a rich blood supply derived from multiple arteries, and surgical resection can be associated with a large blood loss. Embolization is used to treat a variety of malignant and benign conditions preoperatively, as well as an alternative to surgery, however, the use of preoperative embolization of large mediastinal tumors has not been extensive. Herein, we report a case of a giant mediastinal tumor measuring >15 cm and extending into both chest cavities in which preoperative embolization was used to reduce the surgical blood loss and facilitate excision of the lesion.