Description:

This soundless video shows a right ulnar schwannoma being dissected from the ulnar nerve. The proximal (on the right) and distal fascicles entering and exiting the tumor have been isolated, while the functioning majority of the nerve is left intact. After dividing these fascicles the tumor will be removed in one piece. The patient, a 60-year-old right-handed man, had a slowly expanding mass in the medial aspect of his right upper arm. Five years earlier a vascular surgeon explored this lesion when it became increasingly painful. After exposure, the incision was closed without a biopsy. Since then the mass became more painful, and paresthesias developed in the fourth and fifth fingers of the right hand. Click here for more information on nerve sheath tumor surgery. Contributed by Michael Schulder, MD, Manhassett, N.Y. Dr. Schulder reported no conflicts for disclosure.