Robotic-assisted resection of deep pelvic schwannoma

Abstract

Introduction: Schwannomas are a group of well differentiated benign tumors originating from the Schwann cells of the peripheral nervous system. Their localization in the pelvis is very rare. Schwannomas with expansive growth can cause wide neurologic symptoms or oppression of pelvic organs.

Case report: The authors present a case study of a 60-year-old woman with a large, symptomatic deep pelvic schwannoma. The patient underwent robotic-assisted surgery resulting in complete tumor extirpation. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful with a total of two hospitalization days. The diagnosis of a schwannoma was confirmed by histopathologic analysis. At 11-month follow-up surveillance the patient did not present any neurological deficit or other symptoms.

Conclusion: Robotic-assisted surgery allows safe and effective surgical treatment in difficult-to-access anatomical areas. Magnetic resonance imaging is required for preoperative imaging of neurogenic tumors. Histological verification is not recommended in cases where evidence of a schwannoma is found. Multidisciplinary cooperation of a dedicated team experienced in minimally invasive pelvic surgery is necessary.

Keywords: case report; deep pelvic tumors; neurinoma; robotic surgery; schwannoma.