Approach to Brachial Plexus Tumors - Our Experience

Abstract

Aims of this study: Our aim is to define a rationale approach in dealing with brachial plexus tumors, the investigations required and the best surgical approach to excise the tumour with least morbidity and to provide early functional recovery.

Methods and materials: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of the nine patients with primary brachial plexus tumour treated in our institution between 2008 and 2015. Mean age was 34 (range 13 - 44) years at the time of presentation. All patients had preoperative MRI scans .

Results: All patients were evaluated clinically. Radiographs of the chest and MRI were taken to identify the lesion and the nerves involved. All the patients presented with pain as the principal symptom followed by swelling. All but one patient had single stage resection of the tumor. Three Patients had clavicular osteotomy. Microscopic resection was possible in eight out of the nine patients.

Conclusions: Benign lesions in which excision of tumour had done, needs no further intervention except for conditions in which nerve fascicles had been removed need secondary nerve transfers, nerve grafting or tendon transfers. Malignant tumours need subsequent radiotherapy with or without chemo therapy & once they were clinically recovered may need secondary procedures for their functional impairment.