PRIMARY RETROPERITONEAL TUMORS IN ADULTS

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 73  (6) , 313-318
Abstract
Patients (48) underwent operation for a primary retroperitoneal tumor during 1962-1983. Palpable abdominal mass and abdominal pain were the most common presenting symptoms. Computerized tomography complemented by cavography, aortography and intravenous pyelography were the most effective radiological investigations available: 35 (73%) of the 48 tumors were malignant but only 8/35 (17%) of them had local metastases; 11 (23%) of the 48 tumors were radically excised; 20/48 (42%) had partial excision; and 17/48 (35%) an incisional biopsy. Four (11%) of the 35 malignant tumors were excised radically, 16/35 (46%) were partially excised and 15/35 (43%) had an incisional biopsy. Resection of adjacent organs was performed in 8 patients (17%). Overall operative mortality was 15% and morbidity 23%. All mortality in patients with malignant tumors occurred after incisional biopsy. Prognosis of benign tumors was excellent. The 5-yr cumulative survival for malignant tumors was 28 .+-. 9%. Seven patients were alive 5 yr after operation but only 2 of them without evidence of recurrent disease. Long-term results obtained by surgery of malignant tumors were less satisfactory. Hence, randomized trials with adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy are necessary. Local recurrences should be diagnosed early and resected aggressively.

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