title: Hybrid open/closed resection procedure for ancient retroperitoneal Schwannoma: case report and review of the literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Retroperitoneal, ancient Schwannomas are rare tumors that arise from neural sheath Schwann cells. Due to their location and size, these benign tumors can become symptomatic and need surgery. Laparoscopic resection is rarely performed for retroperitoneal Schwannomas. Based on a case report and review of the literature the advantages of a laparoscopic approach are discussed.
  
  
  METHODS
  A case of laparoscopic resection of a retroperitoneal Schwannoma is reported. An extensive literature search was done in relation to this pathology, 16 papers were included for in depth analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Laparoscopic surgery facilitates the dissection of the tumor from surrounding tissues due to a magnified view and optimal visualization of the tumor. Shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, better cosmetic result, less blood-loss and post-operative pain are all advantages of a laparoscopic resection. Disadvantages are a steep learning curve, higher cost and prolonged operation duration.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic resection of, even large, retroperitoneal Schwannomas is feasible. In case of vertebral invaded tumors a hybrid approach is recommended.
authors.affiliation: a Resident in Urology , UZLeuven , Leuven , Belgium.|b Department of General Surgery , AZ Sint-Maria Halle. Ziekenhuislaan , Halle , Belgium.
authors.forename: Evert
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Baten
authors.affiliation: c Starzl Abdominal Transplant Unit, Department of Abdominal , Transplantation Surgery University Hospitals Saint Luc, UCL Brussels - B , Belgium.
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lerut
authors.affiliation: b Department of General Surgery , AZ Sint-Maria Halle. Ziekenhuislaan , Halle , Belgium.
authors.forename: Ivo
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kempeneers
mesh_terms: D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness / Q000473:pathology; D009442:Neurilemmoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D012186:Retroperitoneal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Laparoscopy; Schwannoma; minimal-invasive