Retroperitoneoscopic Excision of Recurrent Paraganglioma

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Paragangliomas are rare tumors that can be sporadic or familial. They are located along the sympathetic or parasympathetic chain with an incidence from 0.005% to 0.1% in the general population.1 About 85% of paragangliomas are below the diaphragm in difficult anatomic locations. Majority are functional.2 The retroperitoneoscopic approach has been used to resect these tumors with certain advantages over the transperitoneal method, including a shorter operative time, reduced pain, a shorter recovery, and subsequently earlier hospital discharge.3 Materials and Methods: The aim of this video is to present a resection of a recurrent paraganglioma in a difficult anatomic location. Results: A 45-year-old lady was investigated for hypertension and palpitations in 2010. She was found to have a 4.1 cm left extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma distorting the left renal vessels with markedly raised normetanephrine excretion. The patient underwent an open left excision histology, which c...