Predictors of postoperative complications in retroperitoneal sarcoma surgery

Introduction: Retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPSs) are large in size and often involve adjacent organs or vital structures. Completeness of resection is critical for long-term survival; however, this often involves extensive surgeries. This study aimed to identify predictors of early severe postoperative complications after RPS surgery. Methodology: In patients who underwent surgery for RPS, intraoperative variables and patient characteristics were assessed to determine predictors for severe postoperative complications. Results: Two hundred and thirty-three patients were included. In comparison to patients who had no comorbidity, those with one or more comorbidities were more likely to have postoperative complications (odds ratio [OR]: 2.38; confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–5.48). Patients who avoided admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) within 24 h of surgery had less complications postoperatively (OR: 0.08; CI: 0.02–0.30). Multiple organ resection during surgery and patients' age had no impact on the occurrence of severe complications. Conclusion: This study showed that a high patient comorbidity index, male gender, and early admission to the ICU were independently associated with an increased risk of postoperative severe complications. However, the age of the patient and degree of surgical resection had no impact on this occurrence. These findings suggest that age and extent of resection should not be used as a sole determinant of patient's eligibility for curative surgery.