Retroperitoneal tumors

Abstract

The authors describe 51 patients treated in the Department of Alimentary Tract Surgery in Katowice for retroperitoneal neoplasms from 1988 to 2001. Indistinguishable course, tardy symptoms and troubles with preoperative estimation of tumor character were noticed. The basic diagnostic methods such as ultrasonography, computer tomorgaphy and urography illustrate tumor localization, size and its relation to adjoining organs, but do not answer if the tumor is malignant or benign. Fine needle biopsy may be unreliable due to polymorphic structure of retroperitoneal tumors. Authors consider that complete resection is the best management either in case of malignant or benign retroperitoneal neoplasms, therefore finding of such neoplasm is sufficient indication for surgery.