Surgical management of retroperitoneal tumors

Retroperitoneal tumors are rare but diverse groups of neoplasms. They are divided into categories of benign and malignant tumors. Retroperitoneal tumors being minimally symptomatic in the beginning usually attain a large size at the time of diagnosis and poses challenges in surgical management. The aim of this study is to comprehensively share our experience of surgical management of retroperitoneal tumors, emphasizing the heterogeneity in pathology and the need for developing guidelines for systemic therapy to effectively treat such cases. 15 patients of retroperitoneal tumors managed surgically from June 2010 to December 2022 were identified. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical management and outcome were studied. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 21.0 version. The median age was 60 years (35-75 yrs). The male and female ratio was 8:7. Abdominal pain was the most common presenting symptom 8 cases (53.4%). Complete surgical resection was done in 10 cases (66.67%). Pathologically, 9 tumors were malignant and 6 had benign etiology. The median diameter of the tumor was 13.5 cm (8.0 – 25.0 cm). 4 patients (26.67%) had grade I Clavien- Dindo complications. 2 patients (13.34%) had postoperative mortality. The median follow up was 6 months (range 4-67 months). Recurrence occurred in only one patient of high grade leiomyosarcoma on 7th month postoperatively. Retroperitoneal tumors represent diverse group of neoplasms. Our study underscores the importance of complete surgical resection as treatment of choice in retroperitoneal tumors. It highlights the need for collaborative adjuvant systemic therapy for effective management of malignant retroperitoneal tumors.