Video-assisted technique for resection of a large mediastinal hemangioma.

We present a video-assisted technique (VATS) for resection of a large tumor located in the posterior mediastinum in a 16-year-old patient. A large vascular mass in the upper and middle posterior mediastinum, encasing the great vessels and extending to the aorto-pulmonary window, was completely resected under video-assistance using a 5-cm large working incision. The tumor dissection was performed using special videoscopic instruments and electrocautery under respect of the great vessels and vascular pedicles. The VATS technique combined with specially designed endoscopical instruments is offering today the possibility of safe resection even in large mediastinal tumors, thus avoiding late functional complications and/or the morbidity associated with large thoracotomy incisions.