Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Surgery

Retroperitoneal tumors are often detected at advanced stages due to the lack of early symptoms. By the time they are diagnosed, these tumors are usually large and may involve neighboring abdominal organs. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, palpable mass, back pain, swelling in the lower limbs, bowel obstruction, and early satiety.

While various treatments may be considered—such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy—the only option that offers a real chance for a cure is complete retroperitoneal sarcoma surgery. However, full removal is not always possible due to the tumor’s size and infiltration into nearby organs.

The main measure of a successful outcome in retroperitoneal tumor treatment in Israel is achieving a “clear surgical margin,” meaning no cancer cells are found at the edge of the resected tissue. Leading surgical centers report clear margins in up to 85% of patients. The five-year survival rate exceeds 50% when the tumor is fully removed.

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The size and location of the incision depend on the tumor’s position. The surgical cut may be made along the abdominal midline, in the groin, or in the lumbar region, and in some cases, it may extend into the lower chest.

The surgeon aims to remove the entire tumor. Often, this includes resecting parts of adjacent organs involved in the tumor process—such as the intestines, kidneys, adrenal glands, pancreas, liver, spleen, stomach, or diaphragm. After removal, the incision is closed with sutures or staples.

General anesthesia is used for all cases.

The length of the operation depends on tumor size, location, and organ involvement. Surgeries for retroperitoneal sarcoma in Israel are often complex and may take several hours.

Clear margins are achieved in about 85% of cases at experienced centers offering Israel retroperitoneal oncology. The five-year survival rate exceeds 50%. Potential risks include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, injury to surrounding organs, or recurrence, which might require additional surgery. The mortality rate is about 1%.

After surgery, the patient spends about two hours in a recovery room to wake from anesthesia and is then transferred to the ward. Within a few hours, assisted mobilization begins.

Hospital discharge times vary depending on the extent of the surgery and individual patient response. Postoperative care includes wound monitoring and managing any complications.

A personalized follow-up plan is created for each patient. In some cases, radiotherapy may be prescribed to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Patients should avoid physical exertion for at least two weeks. A follow-up appointment is scheduled to remove stitches or staples, typically one week after discharge. It is important that patients report any discomfort or unusual symptoms during this visit.

By offering no wait retroperitoneal cancer care, Ichilov Hospital allows international patients to receive timely and expert medical attention without unnecessary delays. Patients seeking retroperitoneal sarcoma treatment in Israel can expect high-quality care delivered by leading specialists in oncologic surgery.