# The significance of a ‘T shaped’ incision for resection of giant mediastinal tumors: a case report

## TL;DR

A T-shaped incision was used to successfully remove large chest tumors, offering better access and reducing surgical risks.

## Contribution

The paper introduces the T-shaped incision as a novel surgical approach for resecting giant mediastinal tumors.

## Key findings

- The T-shaped incision provided ample access to large mediastinal tumors extending into the thoracic cavity.
- This approach enhanced visualization and facilitated precise surgical maneuvers.
- It enabled thorough oncological resection while minimizing tissue damage.

## Abstract

A 37-year-old male, with a 5-year history of liposarcoma of the right thigh, was incidentally diagnosed with two huge thoracic metastases following a fall. One of these masses, measuring 22 cm, was located in the right chest apex, adjacent to a second 20 cm mass situated in the anterior mediastinum, partially invading the left chest. The patient underwent surgical intervention for mass resection that commenced with a hemi-clamshell incision, but was then extended by completing the lower median sternotomy in order to create a T shaped incision. This type of incision provides ample access for large mediastinal tumors that extensively extend into one side of the thoracic cavity, encompass the anterior mediastinum, and partially reach into the opposite cavity. It enhances visualization, facilitates access to vital organs, allows for precise surgical maneuvers, minimizes the risk of inadvertent tissue damage, and enables thorough oncological resection.