Letter to editor : comparison of the surgical outcomes of the posterior approach, video‑assisted thoracic surgery, and combined approach for thoracic dumbbell tumors based on a new classification: a retrospective study of published cases.

This critique evaluates a retrospective study comparing surgical outcomes for thoracic dumbbell tumors utilizing different approaches. The study provides comprehensive insights into the management of this complex condition, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of its methodology and findings. While the study offers valuable information for guiding clinical practice, its retrospective design and inherent limitations warrant careful interpretation of the results. Addressing these limitations through prospective studies with randomized designs and larger patient populations could further enhance our understanding of the optimal surgical approach for thoracic dumbbell tumors.