Robot-Assisted Surgical Approach for Retroperitoneal Schwannomas: A Case Report

Retroperitoneal schwannomas are rare, benign tumours often presenting with pain, paraesthesia, or radicular symptoms. Due to their deep location, surgical access is challenging, and open approaches carry significant morbidity. Robot-assisted, minimally invasive surgery offers a promising alternative with potentially reduced complications and faster recovery. We report two cases of retroperitoneal schwannomas successfully resected using robot-assisted, minimally invasive techniques. Case 1: A 54-year-old woman presented with a presacral tumour causing severe pain and radiating leg discomfort. A robotic-assisted anterior resection was performed, resulting in immediate symptom relief. Histopathology confirmed a schwannoma, and no recurrence was observed at one-year follow-up. Case 2: A 44-year-old woman had a tumour located between the iliacus and psoas muscles. She underwent a similar robot-assisted resection, leading to improved leg pain and muscle strength, with no recurrence after one year. Retroperitoneal schwannomas are often located near critical structures, making traditional surgery invasive and high-risk. Robot-assisted approaches allow for precise dissection with minimal disruption to surrounding tissue. In both cases, this technique enabled complete tumour resection, rapid symptom relief, and favourable long-term outcomes. A multidisciplinary team involving neurosurgeons and abdominal surgeons was key to surgical success. Robot-assisted, minimally invasive surgery appears to be a safe and effective method for resecting retroperitoneal schwannomas. It may reduce morbidity and enhance recovery compared to open techniques.