Single stage complete resection of giant dumbbell lumbar ganglioneuroma: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Ganglioneuroma is a rare benign tumor, which is usually located in the posterior mediastinum and retroperitoneum. Occasionally, it involves the paraspinal region with intraspinal extension and becomes dumbbell shaped. Dumbbell ganglioneuromas rarely affect the lumbar spine, and only nine cases of dumbbell lumbar ganglioneuromas have been reported previously. Case presentation: We are reporting an extremely rare case of a giant dumbbell tumor in the lumbar spine. We performed a one stage total resection of the tumor with posterior approach and long-segment fixation and fusion. This approach is different from previous methods. Histopathological examination of the surgical specimen confirmed the diagnosis of ganglioneuroma. Thirty months follow up showed a satisfactory outcome. Conclusions: Single-stage posterior tumor resection with fixation and fusion is effective and an appropriate choice for the treatments of lumbar dumbbell ganglioneuromas.

Giant intrathoracic ganglioneuroma with scoliosis treated by one-stage posterior resection and scoliosis correction: a case report

“…Wang et al [7] described one-stage surgery for excision of lumbar GN with stabilization and fusion. However, no associated scoliosis or intra thoracic extension was in his case.…”