Retroperitoneoscopic resection of retroperitoneal bronchogenic cysts

Two children aged 8 and 15 years underwent excision of retroperitoneal bronchogenic cysts (RBC) via a posterior retroperitoneoscopic approach (RPA). The operative technique and efficacy of this approach are reviewed. One lesion was symptomatic, while the other was an incidental finding on abdominal ultrasound. Operating times were 45 and 55 min. One patient was discharged on the day of surgery, the other on the 1st postoperative day. Both returned to normal physical activities within 1 week of surgery. No complication occurred in either case. To our knowledge, this is the first description in the literature of excision of this rare lesion via a RPA. We conclude that this is a safe method for resection of RBCs that offers several potential advantages compared with the open technique.