[Results of surgical treatment of recurrent retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas]

Thirty patients with locally recurrent retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas, whose primary tumors had been previously resected, were surgically treated. Complete resection was achieved in 18 patients (60%), of which 6 underwent en bloc resection of adjacent organs involved by the tumor. The overall 3- and 5-year survival rate for all patients was 39% and 14%, respectively. Survival at 3 and 5 years was 49% and 24% respectively for those undergoing complete resection, compared to 25% and 0% respectively for those undergoing partial resection or biopsy only (P < 0.005). An aggressive surgery aimed at complete resection. in treating recurrent retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas is strongly recommended. Prognostic value and clinical significance of factors such as disease-free interval, tumor size, and histologic type were discussed.