Successful surgery to remove a massive tumor of the sciatic nerve at Magdeburg University Hospital
As part of an interdisciplinary treatment plan, physicians from the University Clinic for Neurosurgery, the University Clinic for Plastic and Hand Surgery, and the University Clinic for General and Visceral Surgery successfully removed an exceptionally large benign tumor of the sciatic nerve. The procedure was carried out in several coordinated surgical stages.
A Long History of Suffering
The 38-year-old patient from North Rhine-Westphalia had suffered from increasing pain in her left leg for many years. The first symptoms appeared about 15 years ago, sometimes accompanied by signs of paralysis in the foot. Over time, the symptoms worsened significantly: The patient could barely sleep at night, developed severe neuropathic pain, and her quality of life was considerably impaired.
About five years ago, the cause—an extensive tumor of the left sciatic nerve—was identified via MRI. This led to consultations at numerous hospitals across Germany, including several university hospitals, though the tumor was ultimately deemed inoperable due to its size.
The Path to Magdeburg University Hospital
The patient initially contacted the University Clinic for Radiology and Nuclear Medicine in Magdeburg to inquire about alternative tumor therapies. However, after a thorough review of the available findings, it became clear that surgical intervention was necessary in this case. She was then referred to the University Clinic for Neurosurgery.
Under the direction of the attending physician, Dr. Klaus-Peter Stein, an associate professor at the University Clinic for Neurosurgery, an interdisciplinary team developed a personalized treatment strategy. The team included, among others, Prof. Dr. Armin Kraus, acting director of the University Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic, and Hand Surgery with special expertise in procedures on peripheral nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, Dr. Mihailo Andrić, Head of Colorectal Surgery and an expert in peritoneal malignancies at the Department of General, Visceral, Vascular, and Transplant Surgery, as well as Dr. Jessica Stockheim, a specialist at the same department.
The case had previously been discussed in detail by the interdisciplinary tumor board.
Photo: (from left) Dr. Mihailo Andrić, Head of Colorectal Surgery and expert in peritoneal malignancies at the University Clinic for General, Visceral, Vascular, and Transplant Surgery in Magdeburg, Dr. Jessica Stockheim, specialist at the same clinic, patient S.V., Prof. Dr. Armin Kraus, acting head of the University Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic, and Hand Surgery, and Dr. Klaus-Peter Stein from the University Clinic for Neurosurgery in Magdeburg—together with the successfully treated patient. Photographer: Sarah Kossmann/UMMD
Multi-stage surgical procedure
Due to the tumor’s enormous extent—it extended across the gluteal and thigh muscles into the pelvis—the experts decided on a multi-stage procedure.
In November 2025, the first phase of the surgery took place in two consecutive procedures. These two operations were performed by Dr. Stein and Prof. Dr. Armin Kraus. During these procedures, the tumor was first removed from the gluteal and thigh muscles. The surgeries were very taxing for the patient and required a lengthy recovery period.
Following a rehabilitation phase, the remaining residual tumor was removed in the second step. For this procedure, Dr. Andrić and Dr. Stockheim joined the treatment team. The final surgery took place a few days ago and marks the successful completion of the surgical therapy.
Successful Outcome and Outlook
The patient is currently in the postoperative recovery phase. Initial clinical assessments show a significant improvement in pain symptoms. She hopes to be able to significantly reduce her pain medication once the scars have healed. However, some functional limitations, such as in the foot area, may persist. Her quality of life, on the other hand, is expected to improve.
“This case impressively demonstrates the difference that close collaboration between various surgical specialties can make—especially in complex and rare cases that are considered inoperable elsewhere,” emphasizes Dr. Klaus-Peter Stein, MD, the attending physician.
Since this is a benign tumor, no further therapy is required at this time. The patient will undergo close follow-up care with regular MRI scans.
Interdisciplinary Cutting-Edge Medicine
The procedure underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration within an oncology center: Knowledge from all areas of surgery was required for the complex surgical approaches. Likewise, postoperative intensive care and pain management, as well as the specialized services offered by the Neuro-Oncology Center, played a central role in the success of the treatment.
“Such demanding surgeries can only be performed at a facility that has the appropriate infrastructure, comprehensive professional expertise, and a spirit of interdisciplinary collaboration,” says Dr. Stein.
With this case, the team is sending a strong signal in favor of individualized treatment approaches, even for rare and initially seemingly hopeless diseases.
The patient is looking forward to returning to her job after the summer break and gradually resuming her daily routine and family life.