title: Robot-assisted excision of a retroperitoneal mass between the left renal artery and vein.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas are rare. Minimally invasive techniques have been utilized for incidentally discovered masses with successful results.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present a case of a 64-year-old female with a 3.5-cm mass located between her left renal artery and vein, treated by a 4-port robot-assisted transperitoneal laparoscopic approach.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Careful dissection of the tumor away from the renal hilum was accomplished without major vascular injury. A pedicle to the tumor was identified and ligated. The pathology demonstrated a benign pheochromocytoma. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a peri-hilar excision of a pheochromocytoma using this approach.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas are rare and can present in difficult locations. While surgical excision may be challenging, the da Vinci Robot may be used effectively and safely for the treatment of these perihilar masses.
authors.affiliation: Somers Point, New Jersey, USA.
authors.forename: Todd
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lehrfeld
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Natale
authors.forename: Saurabh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: Pierre J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Mendoza
authors.forename: Charles W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Schwab Ii
authors.forename: David I
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D001706:Biopsy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D012077:Renal Artery; D012082:Renal Veins; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space; D012371:Robotics; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed