Anterior cervical–transsternal approach for resection of benign tumors at the thoracic inlet

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Background. Neural tumors at the thoracic apex, even when benign, present technical problems for the surgeon because of their inaccessibility. The standard approach from below, using a posterolateral thoracotomy, offers suboptimal access to the vascular and neural structures of the thoracic inlet. Methods. We present a new technique for the resection of benign tumors of the thoracic inlet, combining an anterior cervical approach with a limited median sternotomy. We do not find it necessary to resect any part of the clavicle or to add a thoracotomy. We used this technique in 4 patients with apical tumors. In 3 patients the tumor arose from the sympathetic chain and in 1 patient from the T1 component of the brachial plexus. Results. The tumors ranged from 30 to 70 mm in diameter, and histologic findings were neurilemoma in 3 cases and ganglioneuroma in 1. There were no complications or deaths. All 4 patients were discharged 3 to 6 days postoperatively. Conclusions. In our experience this new technique provides improved exposure, good control of the neurovascular bundle, and less morbidity than that associated with thoracotomy. For malignant Pancoast’s tumors we would still advocate the approach of Dartevelle or Grunenwald, supplemented by lateral thoracotomy to facilitate systematic intrathoracic evaluation.