Systematic surgery of retroperitoneal sarcomas: Imaging-guided planning of surgical strategy

Abstract

Abdominal and retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS) represent approximately 25–30% of all soft tissue sarcomas, if besides typical retroperitoneal tumors gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are also included. The surgical R0 en bloc resection with histopathologically free margins is basically the only potentially curative treatment procedure. When planning the surgical strategy, the histopathological subtype and tumor localization are pivotal. The extent of resection should be guided by the goal to reach an en bloc resection with histopathologically negative margins. Due to the frequently found vast dimensions of RPS and ultimately topographic proximity to vital structures at primary diagnosis, R0 resections are not always achievable. Despite the introduction of multimodal treatment regimens and the development of standardized extended surgical procedures, such as systematic retroperitoneal compartmental resection (SRCR), local recurrences remain the most common cause of tumor-associated death. Finally, the results of the transatlantic RPS working group (TARPSWG) could show that treatment of RPS in specialized high-volume centers contributes to better long-term survival. Particularly in Germany there is an urgent demand for centralization of sarcoma patient treatment.