Primary retroperitoneal tumours in adults

48 patients underwent operation for a primary retroperitoneal tumour during the years 1962 to 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 tumours were malignant but only 8/35 (17%) of them had local metastases. 11 (23%) of the 48 tumours were radically excised, 20/48 (42%) had partial excision and 17/48 (35%) an incisional biopsy. 4 (11%) of the 35 malignant tumours 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 tumours occurred after incisional biopsy. Prognosis of benign tumours was excellent. The 5-year cumulative survival for malignant tumours was 28 +/- 9%. 7 patients were alive 5 years after operation but only 2 of them without evidence of recurrent disease. In conclusion, long-term results obtained by surgery of malignant tumours were less satisfactory. Hence, randomized trials with adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy are necessary. Local recurrences should be diagnosed early and resected aggressively.