Endoscopic Resection of Cervical Vagal Nerve Schwannoma
Xi Yang, MM, Junlan Liu, MB, Linjun Fan, PhD
Breast Disease Center, Southwest Hospital of The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing China (all authors).
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Currently, surgical resection is the only effective treatment for schwannoma. Long-term compression may bring irreversible damage to nerves. The conventional surgery for cervical vagal nerve schwannoma often produces a visible scar on the neck, an unsatisfactory cosmetic outcome.
Case Description: We performed an endoscopic resection of vagal nerve schwannoma on the right side of the neck in a 15-year-old male patient. Three incisions were made in the bilateral areolae and right axilla, and trocars were inserted along the line from the incision to the right supraclavicular fossa. An ultrasonic scalpel and electrocoagulation hook was used to dissect and remove the tumor in the deep face of the sternocleidomastoid and strap muscles.
Results: The vagal nerve schwannoma was completely excised with no significant intraoperative bleeding. The operation time was 45 minutes. The postoperative recovery was uneventful, and no recurrence was found in the 3-year follow-up.
Conclusion: Endoscopic resection via the bilateral areolae and axilla approach is a safe and feasible surgery for cervical vagal nerve schwannoma, providing a covert incision and satisfactory cosmetic outcome.
Key Words: Endoscope, Neck, Resection, Vagal nerve schwannoma.
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