Surgical treatment of a cystic neoplasm of the posterior mediastinum: Case report and literature review

Introduction and importance: The study presents a clinical case of removal of a paravertebral tumour by thoracoscopic method and a review of the literature on the diagnosis and treatment of posterior mediastinal tumours. Case presentation: A 26-year-old female patient presented with an extradural, paravertebral posterior mediastinal tumour and complaints of low back pain. The mass was diagnosed by computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The mass was mobilised from the adjacent vital structures without rupturing the capsule by thoracoscopic approach. The histological examination of the extracted mass was diagnosed as a bronchogenic cyst. Clinical discussion: Thoracoscopic surgery provides sufficient volume in the mediastinum to perform instrument manipulations with minimal damage to adjacent structures and meets oncological criteria. Conclusion: Thoracoscopic surgery of posterior mediastinal tumours demonstrates clinically significant benefits and treatment efficacy compared to open surgery, and is characterised by a low incidence of postoperative complications, short surgery duration, rapid postoperative recovery and better cosmetic effect.