Retroperitoneal sarcoma is cancer that develops in the soft tissue between the peritoneum and the posterior abdominal wall. The tumour is eliminated with surgical excision. After the patient has been sedated, an incision is made in the retroperitoneum. The surrounding organs are carefully severed from the tumour before it is removed. In order to ensure that no cancer cells are left behind, 1 to 2 cm of the surrounding healthy tissue is also removed.

A biopsy of the tumour may be conducted. To completely remove the tumour, radiation or chemotherapy may occasionally be used with surgery. The patient is then observed for another 4 to 6 days in the intensive care unit (ICU). He is advised to avoid vigorous activity and driving for a few days. It takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks to fully recover.

Mr George William Nyeko from Uganda, underwent Excision of Recurrent Retroperitoneal and Extraperitoneal Sarcomas, under the supervision of Dr Sreekanth CN Sr. Consultant-Surgical Oncology, Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad.