Primary Retroperitoneal Immature Teratoma: A Case Study in Approaching Challenging Minimally Invasive Cases

Abstract

Introduction:

Primary retroperitoneal teratomas are rare and challenging to resect in a minimally invasive manner as they often have a significant accompanying inflammatory reaction. ^{1 –3} We depict a laparoscopic resection of a large retroperitoneal teratoma and describe methods of approaching challenging cases from a minimally invasive approach.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed a video of a laparoscopic resection of a retroperitoneal teratoma in a 6-year-old boy. We present it as a case study for how to approach unusual cases with a minimally invasive approach.

Results and Conclusions

: General concepts include the following: (1) stay laparoscopic if you are progressing and maintaining safety; (2) energy devices are not a panacea, use all options at your disposal; (3) avoid “tumor frenzy” as the case nears the end to prevent needless errors; (4) coordinate with consultants on oncologic cases for specimen removal options; (5) if you do not start laparoscopic, you will never finish laparoscopically. Challenging cases are daunting, but with a stepwise perioperative approach, many can be completed in a minimally invasive way. ⁴

No competing financial interests exist.

Runtime of video: 5 mins 4 secs