Total laparoscopic excision of retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma using the hanging method and a vessel-sealing device.

An 11-year-old girl presented with a homogeneous right retroperitoneal tumor 5 cm in diameter. Nonfunctioning benign neurogenic tumor was suspected, and a laparoscopic resection was performed. The inferior vena cava ran just behind the tumor, and there were small vessels between the tumor and inferior vena cava. To create a space behind the tumor, we suspended the tumor by using a traction suture, and to obtain adequate hemostasis, we used a vessel-sealing device. The tumor was safely removed and the pathological diagnosis was benign ganglioneuroma. The postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the patient left her bed and started a regular diet on the postoperative day 1. Laparoscopic surgery is a safe, feasible method for the diagnosis and treatment of benign retroperitoneal tumors, such as ganglioneuroma.