Surgical management of primary retroperitoneal tumors – Analysis of a single center experience

Abstract

BackgroundRetroperitoneal tumors are a rare but diverse group of neoplasms that arise from the retroperitoneum. Local recurrence after surgical resection greatly influenced survival. We aimed to analyze factors affecting outcome after surgery at our institution. Materials and methodsA database was reviewed retrospectively to identify patients who underwent surgery for retroperitoneal tumors from 2007 to 2012. Patient demographics, operative outcomes and tumor variables were recorded. Multivariable analysis was performed to evaluate predictors for overall survival. ResultsA total of 41 cases were treated surgically. The median diameter of tumors was 13.7 cm (2.5 cm–39 cm). In 90% of the cases, macroscopic complete resection was achieved. Twenty-one percent of these cases required en bloc multi-organ resection. Fifty percent developed local recurrence and 15% had distant metastasis during 7-years of follow up. Local recurrence was significantly associated with overall survival and macroscopic incomplete resection was a significant predictor of local recurrence. ConclusionComplete resection of retroperitoneal tumors with oncologically free margins should be the goal at surgery. Microscopic complete resection plays an important role in improving survival.