Video-assisted thoracoscopic resection of a giant anterior mediastinal tumor (lipoma) using an original sternum-lifting technique.

We report here the complete thoracoscopic resection of a giant lipoma (18x15x5 cm, 560 g) in a 33-year-old man using an original sternum-lifting technique. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course and was discharged on the seventh postoperative day. This is the largest reported anterior mediastinal tumor that was completely resected by video-assisted thoracic surgery without median sternotomy or thoracotomy. This original method may be useful from the standpoint of minimal access, rapid recovery, less pain, and good cosmetic results for an anterior mediastinal giant tumor.