Endoscopic balloon dissection for removal of lipomas via transaxillary route

Abstract

Minimally invasive techniques and newer endoscopic surgical techniques are being introduced to aesthetic and reconstructive procedures at an accelerating pace. A new and modified technique of endoscopic excision of large encapsulated lipomas is presented and the versatility of creation of an optical cavity and incorporation of balloon dissection is discussed in two cases. Large encapsulated lipomas were removed endoscopically via transaxillary incisions and no immediate or late complication was observed. Endoscopic removal of lipomas offers several advantages over conventional direct excision and liposuction such as avoiding blind manipulation and fragmentation of lipoma mass, and unsightly scars. One drawback of this technique can be lengthy operation times, which have been near two hours for the presented cases. We conclude that endoscopic removal of tumors from a relatively remote site is beneficial in treating such encapsulated tumors and we speculate that endoscopy will prevent unsightly scarring in important areas while decreasing the operating time as experience is gained.