Extensive Axillary Approach for Schwannoma of the Brachial Plexus

The area of focus of this book is shoulder and upper extremity. Orthopaedic surgeons have used a utilitarian shoulder girdle incision for resecting tumors - including axillary tumors - around the shoulder girdle. The incision provides the safe extensile exposure of the brachial plexus and axillary blood vessels that is required for a safe and reliable resection. This video demonstrates how a large schwannoma of the brachial plexus that was resected with this approach. The key to the procedure involves releasing the pectoralis major muscle from its humeral insertion and releasing the strap muscles from their coracoid origins. A meticulous repair of these muscles is performed at the conclusion of the procedure. This procedure can be adopted for treating any large tumor - including sarcomas and metastases - that arise in the axilla. As a result, patients are able to return to normal function.