Our institutional experience with lateral extra-cavitary approach for posterior mediastinal neurofibroma

Abstract

The LECA to the thoracic spine can be used for the removal of posterior mediastinal neurofibromas which causes anterior and lateral spinal cord compression. It provides lateral exposure to the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae without entering the pleural cavity (extra-cavitary) and enables the surgeon to visualize the anterior dural surface better than with other posterior lateral exposures. In this case report, we describe the challenges we face while operating the posterior mediastinal tumour using this surgical approach. This approach provides better access to ventral and lateral thoracic and upper lumbar spine pathologies.

Keywords

• neurofibromas
• lateral extra-cavitary approach
• mediastinal tumour
• thoracic spine