Stealth surgery: subcutaneous endoscopic excision of benign lesions of the trunk and lower extremity

Benign subcutaneous lesions of the trunk are typically excised through overlying skin incisions, which can result in permanent, potentially disfiguring scars. We previously reported our experience with transaxillary subcutaneous endoscopic approach for removal of benign lesions of the neck. Here we report a similar approach for removing benign lesions of the trunk and lower extremity.

A retrospective review was conducted on 4 consecutive subcutaneous endoscopic procedures for benign truncal and lower extremity lesions from November 2006 to October 2008. The lesions included an anterior chest wall epidermal inclusion cyst, anterior midsternal dermoid cyst, left posterior chest wall giant lipoma, and a lipoma extending from the right gluteal crease onto the thigh. Outcome measures included need for conversion, cosmetic outcome, and complications.

All procedures were successfully completed using the endoscopic approach without conversion to open excision. There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperative complications included a 1 cm seroma at cyst site, axillary port site wound infection, and punctate dermal thinning secondary to adherent dermoid cyst, all resolved by 2 weeks postoperatively. All wounds healed with excellent cosmetic result at 1-month follow-up.

A subcutaneous endoscopic approach can be applied effectively to a variety of benign lesions of the trunk and lower extremities with adequate exposure for dissection and resulting in a quick recovery. Truncal and lower extremity scarring is absent, with small scars well hidden in either the axilla or the buttock, respectively.