Operative challenges in a gigantic ganglioneuroma of the posterior mediastinum with mediastinal compression

Symptomatic giant ganglioneuromas with mediastinal compression are rare, complicating its management with significant morbidity and mortality risks. A meticulous multidisciplinary preoperative planning is pivotal in ensuring success. We describe a case of a 30-year-old man with a giant posterior mediastinal mass with compression and displacement of the mediastinal structures. Biopsy confirmed a ganglioneuroma and patient underwent excision. Surgery was challenging in view of the size and adherence to the local structures. Haemodynamic instabilities were encountered necessitating a pre-emptive femoral-femoral cannulation for CPB. A piece-meal debulking of the tumour was performed, complicated with massive haemorrhage requiring autologous blood transfusion using an intraoperative blood salvage device. The patient recovered and was discharged home well at Day 8. A thorough pre-operative planning involving a multidisciplinary approach, an understanding of the surgical anatomy as well as anticipating impending complications is of paramount importance  in the management of this particular case.