Elastofibroma dorsi: Surgical indications and complications of a rare soft tissue tumor.
Elastofibroma dorsi (ED) is a tumor that develops in the space between the lower angle of the scapula and the posterior thoracic wall. Due to the rarity of this type of tumor, the number of reported consecutive series is limited. Surgical excision, usually recommended for symptomatic cases to confirm diagnosis and relieve symptoms, has been associated with a high complication rate. To analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of surgical treatment, we retrospectively reviewed 20 consecutive cases of surgically resected ED. Of the 20 patients, 14 (70%) exhibited preoperative symptoms associated with the tumor. The mean diameter of the resected tumors averaged 72 mm (range, 45-110 mm). The surgical outcomes were satisfactory, except for the development of hematoma or seroma in 9 cases (43%), 8 of which achieved a complete resolution with conservative treatment. Age, hypertension, the presence of preoperative tumor-related symptoms and intraoperative bleeding were not found to be significantly associated with the incidence of hematoma. However, tumor diameter and the duration of postoperative drainage were significantly associated with occurrence of hematoma (P=0.02 and P=0.01, respectively). Surgical resection should only be recommended for symptomatic patients, due to the high incidence of postoperative complications. To prevent the development of postoperative hematoma or seroma, careful observation of the wound, with suction drainage for >7 days and additional surgical procedures to facilitate adhesion of the wound margins, are recommended.
Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan.
Satoshi
S
Nagano
Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan.
Masahiro
M
Yokouchi
Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan.
Takashi
T
Setoyama
Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan.
Hiromi
H
Sasaki
Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan.
Hirofumi
H
Shimada
Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan.
Ichiro
I
Kawamura
Medical Joint Materials, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan.
Yasuhiro
Y
Ishidou
The Near-Future Locomotor Organ Medicine Creation Course (Kusunoki Kai), Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan.
Takao
T
Setoguchi
Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan.
Setsuro
S
Komiya
elastofibroma dorsi; hematoma; soft tissue tumor; surgery