Single-incision port robot-assisted surgery for thymic carcinoid tumor resection

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) is divided into MEN type 1 (MEN-1) and MEN type 2 (MEN-2). MEN-1 may be associated with thymic carcinoid tumors. We present a case of the surgical removal of a thymic carcinoid associated with MEN-1 via a single-incision port RATS. CASE PRESENTATION: A 39-year-old male patient with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1) who had an anterior mediastinal mass was referred to our hospital. The patient had undergone total parathyroidectomy and auto-transplantation of a partial parathyroid for hyperparathyroidism 6 years ago. Chest computed tomography revealed an isolated anterior mediastinal mass on the thymic gland with a maximum diameter measuring 22 mm. Thymic carcinoid tumor is classified as MEN-1 and has a poor prognosis, so we decided to remove the tumor. Single-incision port RATS was performed, and thymic carcinoid was confirmed in pathology. CONCLUSIONS: This report demonstrates that thymic carcinoid tumor removal is feasible and easy to perform via single-incision port RATS.