Robot-assisted resection of multiple schwannomas of the neck and mediastinum through an axillary approach.

A 49-year-old woman was referred to our department for increased schwannoma of the right neck and mediastinum. We chose a robot-assisted endoscopic approach to minimize the operative trauma. After exposure of the thyroid through the right axilla, the neck tumor was resected using the da Vinci Surgical System. A mini-thoracotomy was then made in the left third intercostal space through the axillary incision, robotic instruments were introduced across the thoracic cavity, and the tumor was excised circumferentially using the robot. Histopathological examination of both specimens revealed schwannomas. This procedure has benefited the patient with good cosmetic results and allowed her to rapidly resume her daily activities.