Resection of a ganglioneuroma encasing major blood vessels using three-dimensional laparoscopy combined with organ suspension: A case report

BACKGROUND Ganglioneuroma is a rare, well-differentiated, slow-growing benign tumor of the peripheral nerves, with surgical resection being the only curative treatment. Surgical resection of ganglioneuromas encasing major blood vessels remains a substantial clinical challenge. Traditionally, these cases often require open abdominal surgery or combined organ resections, and in some instances, the tumors are considered unresectable. Currently, no reports have described the resection of such tumors via laparoscopy. CASE SUMMARY A 35-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital after the incidental discovery of a retroperitoneal space-occupying lesion. Imaging revealed a mass with the celiac axis and superior mesenteric artery passing through it. A neurogenic tumor was suspected, with ganglioneuroma being the most likely diagnosis. Following comprehensive preoperative preparation, the retroperitoneal tumor was resected using a three-dimensional laparoscopy combined with an organ suspension technique. The surgical approach involved incising the tumor along the vascular axis and conducting meticulous, vascular-preserving tumor excision. The operation lasted approximately 458 minutes, with an estimated blood loss of 50 mL. The patient was discharged on the 8th postoperative day. A transient liver injury occurred after surgery but improved rapidly. After 11 months of postoperative follow-up, no complications or tumor recurrence were observed. CONCLUSION This case illustrates the feasibility of minimally invasive laparoscopic resection for retroperitoneal ganglioneuromas encasing major blood vessels.