Novel thoracoscopic approach to difficult posterior mediastinal tumors.

Thoracoscopic resection is the preferred treatment of posterior mediastinal tumors. However, thoracotomy may be necessary if the tumors are large or adherent; if they are demonstrate invasion or intraspinal growth; or if they are located in the superoposterior mediastinum or posterior costodiaphragmatic angle. We describe a case of a large, adherent posterior costodiaphragmatic mediastinal mass that would have been otherwise difficult to resect thoracoscopically if it were not for the three-dimensional visualization, greater dexterity, and accurate dissection offered by the Da Vinci robot.