Intrapelvic sciatic notch schwannoma: microsurgical excision using the infragluteal approach

Abstract

Benign neurogenic tumors at the sciatic notch that are purely intrapelvic have rarely been reported. Because of this tumor's particular position, a transabdominal or combined transabdominal-gluteal approach is usually used to achieve total resection. However, the transabdominal approach carries a remarkable surgical risk because of the manipulation of intraperitoneal organs. Here, the authors describe a 59-year-old woman harboring a purely intrapelvic sciatic notch schwannoma extrinsic to the sciatic nerve, which was totally removed via the infragluteal approach preserving sciatic function. The postoperative course was uneventful. The infragluteal approach can be safely used for the effective resection of intrapelvic benign neurogenic tumors at the sciatic notch that are extrinsic to the sciatic nerve, avoiding the more invasive and risky transabdominal approach.