Our Summary

This study looks at a type of rare tumor that originates in the retroperitoneal tissue (the back part of the abdomen). The researchers collected data on patients who underwent surgery to remove these tumors over a nine-year period. They found that the tumors were either neurogenic (related to the nervous system), fat-containing, or cystic (fluid-filled). They also found that preoperative diagnosis was only correct in 28% of cases.

The researchers found that most of the patients underwent traditional open surgery (72%) while the rest underwent minimally invasive surgery (28%). The average time of the surgery was 120 minutes. In some cases (11%), parts of organs were removed along with the tumor. They were able to completely remove the tumor in 97% of cases. Some complications occurred during surgery (11%) and within 90 days after surgery (36%), but there were no deaths related to the procedure.

The average time patients stayed in the hospital after surgery was about a week, and the average survival time after surgery was over four years. The researchers concluded that understanding the characteristics of these tumors is vital for proper treatment. Unlike similar tumors, these are mostly benign and progress slowly. Radical surgery is not needed because completely removing the tumor usually results in a good prognosis. For small, benign, and symptomless tumors, doctors may choose to monitor the tumor instead of removing it.

FAQs

  1. What are the types of primary retroperitoneal neoplasms (PRN) mentioned in the study?
  2. What were the outcomes of the complete tumor resection (TR) performed on the patients in the study?
  3. What is the importance of familiarity with radiologic characteristics of PRN according to the study’s conclusions?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tumor resection is to make sure to follow post-operative care instructions closely to promote healing and prevent complications. This may include taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding strenuous activities until cleared by the medical team. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet can help support recovery and overall well-being.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended tumor resection are those with non-sarcomatous primary retroperitoneal neoplasms, such as neurogenic, fat-containing, and cystic tumors. These patients may present with symptoms or have suspicious imaging findings that warrant further evaluation and potential surgical intervention. Complete tumor resection is often recommended to achieve a good prognosis and potentially cure the patient of their disease. In some cases, expectant management may be appropriate for small, asymptomatic, benign neoplasms. It is important for clinicians to be familiar with the radiologic characteristics of retroperitoneal neoplasms to guide appropriate management decisions.

Timeline

  • Before tumor resection: The patient may experience symptoms such as pain, swelling, or discomfort in the abdomen. They may undergo various imaging tests to diagnose the tumor, such as CT scans or MRIs. The preoperative diagnosis may not always be accurate. Surgery is scheduled and the patient undergoes preparation for the procedure.

  • After tumor resection: The patient undergoes tumor resection surgery, which may be done via laparotomy or laparoscopy. The surgery typically lasts around 2 hours. En bloc organ resection may be performed in some cases. Complete tumor resection is achieved in 97% of cases. Intra-operative complications may occur in 11% of cases. Postoperatively, the patient may experience complications within 90 days after surgery, with a 36% rate. The patient stays in the hospital for an average of 6.5 days. The overall survival post-resection is around 53 months. Follow-up care and monitoring are necessary to ensure the tumor does not recur.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of tumor do I have and what are the characteristics of this specific type of tumor?
  2. What are the risks and benefits of tumor resection for my specific type of tumor?
  3. What is the success rate of complete tumor resection for my type of tumor?
  4. What are the potential complications of tumor resection surgery?
  5. Will I need en bloc organ resection as part of the tumor resection surgery?
  6. What is the expected length of stay in the hospital after tumor resection surgery?
  7. What is the expected recovery time after tumor resection surgery?
  8. Will I need any additional treatments after tumor resection surgery, such as radiation or chemotherapy?
  9. What is the long-term prognosis after complete tumor resection for my specific type of tumor?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider aside from tumor resection?

Reference

Authors: Dayan D, Abu-Abeid S, Kuriansky J, Lahat G, Sagie B. Journal: Isr Med Assoc J. 2020 Jan;22(1):53-59. PMID: 31927807