To report the largest multicentric experience on surgical management of retrorectal tumors (RRT).Literature data on RRT is limited. There is no consensus concerning the best surgical approach for the management of RRT.Patients operated for RRT in 18 academic French centers were retrospectively included (2000-2019).270 patients were included. Surgery was performed through abdominal (n=72, 27%), bottom (n=190, 70%) or combined approach (n=8, 3%). Abdominal approach was laparoscopic in 53/72 (74%) and bottom approach was a Kraske modified procedures in 169/190 (89%) patients. In laparoscopic abdominal group, tumors were more frequently symptomatic (37/53, 70% vs 88/169, 52%, p=0.02), larger (mean diameter = 60.5 ± 24 (range, 13-107) vs 51 ± 26 (20-105) mm, p=0.02) and located above S3 vertebra (n=3/42, 7% vs 0, p=0.001) than those from Kraske modified group. Laparoscopy was associated with a higher risk of postoperative ileus (n=4/53, 7.5% vs 0%, p=0.002) and rectal fistula (n=3/53, 6% vs 0%, p=0.01) but less wound abscess (n=1/53, 2% vs 24/169, 14%, p=0.02) than Kraske modified procedures. RRT was malignant in 8%. After a mean follow up of 27 ±39 (1-221) months, local recurrence was noted in 8% of the patients. After surgery, chronic pain was observed in 17% of the patients without significant difference between the 2 groups (15/74, 20% vs 3/30, 10%; p=0.3).Both laparoscopic and Kraske modified approaches can be used for surgical treatment of RRT (according to their location and their size), with similar long-term results.Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

To describe the clinical and sonographic characteristics of benign, retroperitoneal, pelvic peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNST).This was a retrospective, single, gynecologic oncology center study conducted between 1 January 2018 and 31 August 2022. All ultrasound images, clips, and final specimens of benign PNSTs were reviewed by the authors to describe (1) the ultrasound appearance of the tumors using the terminology of the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA), Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment (MUSA) and Vulvar International Tumor Analysis (VITA) groups on a predefined ultrasound assessment form, (2) the origin of the tumors in relation to nerves and pelvic anatomy, and (3) the correlation between ultrasound features and histotopograms. A review of literature on benign, retroperitoneal, pelvic PNSTs with preoperative ultrasound examination was performed.Five women (mean age 53 years) with benign, retroperitoneal, pelvic PNSTs were identified: four with schwannomas and one with a neurofibroma, all of which were sporadic and solitary. All patients had good quality ultrasound images and clips and final biopsies of surgically excised tumors, except for one patient managed conservatively with a tru-cut biopsy. In four of these cases, the findings were incidental. Size range for the five PNSTs was from 31-50 mm. All five PNSTs were solid, moderately vascular tumors, with non-uniform echogenicity, well-circumscribed by hyperechogenic epineurium, and had no acoustic shadowing. Most of the masses were round (n = 4 (80%)), and contained small, irregular, anechoic, cystic spaces (n = 3 (60%)), and hyperechoic areas (n = 4 (80%)). A literature search identified 47 cases of retroperitoneal schwannomas and neurofibromas, the characteristics of which were compared with the cases in our series.On ultrasound, benign PNSTs were solid, non-uniform, moderately vascular tumors without acoustic shadowing. Most were round, containing small, irregular, anechoic, cystic spaces, and hyperechoic areas, consistent with degenerative changes on pathology. All tumors were well-circumscribed by a hyperechogenic rim composed of epineurium. No imaging characteristics reliably differentiated between schwannomas and neurofibromas. In fact, they overlap with the ultrasound appearance of malignant tumors. Hence, ultrasound-guided biopsy plays a pivotal role in diagnosis, and if confirmed as benign PNSTs, these tumors can undergo ultrasound surveillance. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The management strategy for retrorectal tumours is complex. Due to their rarity, few surgeons have expertise in management.A systematic literature review was conducted using the PubMed database. English language publications in the years 2011-2015 that assessed preoperative management, surgical strategies and chemoradiotherapy for presacral tumours were included. Two hundred and fifty-one abstracts were screened of which 88 met the inclusion criteria. After review of the full text, this resulted in a final list of 42 studies eligible for review.In all, 932 patients (63.2% female, 36.8% male; P < 0.01) with a retrorectal tumour were identified. Most were benign (65.9% vs. 33.7%, P < 0.01). Imaging distinguished benign from malignant lesions in 88.1% of cases; preoperative biopsy was superior to imaging in providing an accurate definitive diagnosis (91.3% vs. 61.4%, P < 0.05) with negligible seeding risk. Biopsy should be performed in solid tumours. It is useful in guiding neoadjuvant therapy for gastrointestinal stromal tumours, sarcomas and desmoid type fibromatosis and may alter the management strategy in cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and metastases. Biopsies for cystic lesions are not recommended. The gold standard in imaging is MRI. The posterior Kraske procedure is the most common surgical approach. Overall, the reported recurrence rate was 19.7%.This review evaluated the management strategies for retrorectal tumours. A preoperative biopsy should be performed for solid tumours. MRI is the most useful imaging modality. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment. There is limited information on robotic surgery, single-port surgery, transanal endoscopic microsurgery, chemoradiotherapy and reconstruction.Colorectal Disease © 2015 The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.

The volume-outcome relationship is well recognized. We sought to investigate this relationship in retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS) surgery.Non-metastatic RPS cases from 2004 to 2014 in the National Cancer Database were analyzed. Hospitals in the top 10th percentile for volume were defined as high-volume. Outcomes were selected a priori based on their known prognostic significance, including surgery use, R0/R1 resection, and R0 resection. Volume-outcome associations were assessed by univariate and multivariable analyses.Of 3141 RPS cases identified, 70.0% were managed surgically. Of these, 93.0% were R0/R1 resections, and 67.6% were R0 resections. Surgical management, R0/R1 resection, and R0 resection were each associated with improved overall survival (P < 0.001). Hospital volume was an independent predictor of surgical management, R0 resection, and R0/R1 resection. Patients treated at high-volume centers had 1.9-fold higher odds of undergoing surgical management (P < 0.001), 2.5-fold higher odds of receiving a R0/R1 resection (P = 0.026), and 1.8-fold higher odds of an R0 resection (P < 0.001). Academic setting predicted use of surgical management (P < 0.001) and R0/R1 resection (P = 0.015) but not R0 resection (P = 0.882).High-volume hospitals are significantly associated with surgery use and improved surgical outcomes. Consideration should be given to further centralization of RPS care.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The incidence of presacral tumours is low and pertinent data on the management and outcomes after surgery are sparse. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for recurrence in patients with presacral tumours undergoing surgery at our institution.

The purpose is to determine the clinicopathologic factors related to survival and recurrence of primary resected pelvic soft tissue sarcomas (STS).Demographic/clinical variables were recorded.Thirty-five pts were identified. Median follow-up was 24.2 months. There were 23 (65.7%) high/intermediate-grade and 12 (34.3%) low-grade tumors included in the final analysis. Eight patients (22.9%) received neoadjuvant therapy. Margins were grossly negative in 27 (77.1%, 17-R0, 10-R1) and grossly positive (R2) in 8 (22.9%). Adjuvant therapy was used in 13 patients (37.1%). The 2- and 3-year RFS was 56.5% and 51.3%, with 14 patients recurring at a median time of 16 months (6-local, 8-distant). All distant recurrences were in high-grade tumors. There were no differences in RFS for margins (R0 vs. R1), neoadjuvant/adjuvant therapy, size (≥10 vs. <10 cm) or gender. High/intermediate-grade tumors had worse RFS (P < 0.008). The 2- and 3-year OS was 80.9%. OS was improved for R0/R1 resection (P < 0.001). Resection to R0/R1 margin was a significant predictor of improved OS (P = 0.001).High/intermediate-grade lesions were associated with worse OS and RFS. Resection to gross negative margins was the only independent predictor of OS. Adjuvant therapy may be reserved for high-grade lesions due to increased metastatic potential. J© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas comprise a heterogeneous group of rare tumors of mesenchymal origin that include several well-defined histologic subtypes. In 2015, the Transatlantic Australasian RPS Working Group (TARPSWG) published consensus recommendations for the best management of primary retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS). Since then, through international collaboration, new evidence and knowledge have been generated, creating the need for an updated consensus document.The primary aim of this study was to critically evaluate the current evidence and develop an up-to-date consensus document on the approach to these difficult tumors. The resulting document applies to primary RPS that is non-visceral in origin, with exclusion criteria as previously described. The relevant literature was evaluated and an international group of experts consulted to formulate consensus statements regarding the best management of primary RPS. A level of evidence and grade of recommendation were attributed to each new/updated recommendation.Management of primary RPS was considered from diagnosis to follow-up. This rare and complex malignancy is best managed by an experienced multidisciplinary team in a specialized referral center. The best chance of cure is at the time of primary presentation, and an individualized management plan should be made based on the 29 consensus statements included in this article, which were agreed upon by all of the authors. Whenever possible, patients should be enrolled in prospective trials and studies.Ongoing international collaboration is critical to expand upon current knowledge and further improve outcomes of patients with RPS. In addition, prospective data collection and participation in multi-institution trials are strongly encouraged.

Presacral tumors are a group of rare and heterogeneous tumors that arise from the potential presacral space between the rectum and sacrum. The low occurrence and diverse origins make the diagnosis and treatment of these tumors a challenge. The aim of the study was to retrospectively review patient demographics and to identify advantages and disadvantages in the diagnosis and treatment of these tumors.

There is a lack of robust evidence to recommend the use of perioperative ureteric catheterisation or stenting in complex gynaecological surgery.

To assess the incidence of ureteric injuries, clinical value of prophylactic ureteric stenting and impact of intra‐ or postoperative detection of ureteric injuries in patients treated with gynaecological or colorectal surgery.

Retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS) are rare tumors composed of several well defined histologic subtypes. The aim of this study was to analyze patterns of recurrence and treatment variations in a large population of patients, treated at reference centers.All consecutive patients with primary RPS treated at 6 European and 2 North American institutions between January 2002 and December 2011 were included. Five, 8, and 10-year overall survival (OS) and crude cumulative incidence (CCI) of local recurrence (LR) and distant metastasis (DM) were calculated. Multivariate analyses for OS, CCI of LR, and DM were performed.In all, 1007 patients were included. Median follow-up was 58 months (first and third quartile range 36-90). The 5, 8, and 10-year OS were 67% [95% confidence interval (CI), 63, 70), 56% (95% CI, 52, 61), and 46% (95% CI, 40, 53). The 5, 8, and 10-year CCI of LR and DM were 25.9 (95% CI, 23.1, 29.1), 31.3 (95% CI, 27.8, 35.1), 35% (95% CI, 30.5, 40.1), and 21% (95% CI, 18.4, 23.8%), 21.6 (95% CI, 19.0, 24.6), and 21.6 (95% CI, 19.0, 24.6), respectively. Tumour size, histologic subtype, malignancy grade, multifocality, and completeness of resection were significant predictors of outcome. Patterns of recurrence varied depending on histologic subtype. Different treatment policies at participating institutions influenced LR of well differentiated liposarcoma without impacting OS, whereas discrepancies in adjuvant systemic therapies did not impact LR, DM, or OS of leiomyosarcoma.Reference centers are critical to outcomes of RPS patients, as the management strategy requires specific expertise. Histologic subtype predicts patterns of recurrence and should inform management decision. A prospective international registry is under preparation, to further define our understanding of this disease.