[Pelvic retroperitoneal tumors: clinical analysis of 16 cases]

OBJECTIVE: To explore the diagnostic rationales for pelvic retroperitoneal tumors and summarize their therapeutic regimens. METHODS: A total of 16 retroperitoneal tumor patients were recruited. And their general information, previous medical history, physical examinations, auxiliary tests, surgical findings and postoperative pathological results were analyzed. RESULTS: Two cases were diagnosed through preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) while others found intraoperatively. Complete tumor resection was performed in all except for one case. Postoperative pathological examinations revealed 10 benign cases. And there was one case of pelvic endometriosis (mild cytologic atypia). Five cases were malignant. The operation duration was 1.45-8.5 hours and peri-operative bleeding volume 50-5000 ml. Among them, 12 patients had heavy adhesion in pelvic cavity, 7 cases underwent operations collaboratively with related departments because of surgical difficulties and vascular injury and bladder rupture occurred in 1 case. During the follow-ups, one case was lost, two patients died from disease recurrence and another one had a postoperative relapse at Month 4. The other 12 cases recovered well and had no recurrence. CONCLUSION: Surgery remains a key for retroperitoneal tumors. With a low diagnostic rate, they are often found surprisingly intraoperatively. Because of surgical difficulties and frequent complications, multi-departmental collaboration is necessary. Preoperative correct diagnosis and adequate preoperative preparation are essential. And MRI is an effective auxiliary examination.