Surgical Outcome of Brachial Plexus Tumors: A Single Centre Experience and Review of Literature

Abstract

Background: Brachial plexus tumors are uncommon, and there is limited literature on the topic. In this retrospective study, we assessed our experience with brachial plexus tumors, focusing on their evaluation, management, and follow-up at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. This article includes data from patients who underwent surgery at our center over a 10-year period, performed by senior surgeons.

Methods: This is a retrospective case series of brachial plexus tumors surgically treated at an apex tertiary care center in India over a period of 10 years. Data on outcome were reported at the most recent outpatient clinic follow-up. The findings of this series were comparable with the literature available.

Results: Between 2014 and 2024, 28 patients underwent surgery for brachial plexus tumors, with 23 patients meeting the inclusion criteria. Among them, 82.6% presented with a palpable mass and 39.13% exhibited preoperative motor deficits. Gross total resection (GTR) was accomplished in 78.26% of cases. In total, 78.25% of the patients in the series had benign lesions, while 21.75% had locally aggressive lesions that required close monitoring.

Conclusion: Despite having a complex anatomy, tumors in this region can be resected with good microsurgical skills, achieving GTR in most of the cases with minimal neurologic compromise. Patients experiencing a decline in motor function postoperatively also regain useful power in the affected limb with physical therapy. Only a small portion of patients have persistent neurologic deficit on follow-up.