The National Medical Research Radiological Centre Knows How to Treat Retroperitoneal Liposarcoma: Aggressive, Massive, and Prone to Recurrence

Last summer, a pensioner from Stary Oskol noticed her abdomen was growing in size. She visited a local surgeon, who suspected ascites and sent her home. However, in November, she suddenly experienced severe colic in her left kidney and called an ambulance. In the district hospital, specialists found a large stone in the right kidney that was already moving, however, the left kidney was not visible on the screen. This unusual finding prompted local doctors to investigate further. This is how Galina Fyodorovna ended up at the regional oncology dispensary.

After conducting all necessary tests, specialists diagnosed her with retroperitoneal liposarcoma. The tumor had already occupied a significant portion of her abdomen and was compressing nearby organs: the left kidney (which was functioning at only 20%), the bladder, pancreas, gallbladder, colon, aorta, and several blood vessels. After thoroughly assessing the risks, doctors in Belgorod referred the patient to the P. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute – branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution of the “National Medical Research Radiological Centre” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. She was admitted to the department of thoracoabdominal oncological surgery, where such cases are part of routine practice.

“We performed the removal of a non-organ-associated retroperitoneal tumor, measuring over 30 cm in diameter,” said oncological surgeon Gegam Pogosyan. “Based on nephroscintigraphy data, we anticipated having to remove the left kidney and ureter. However, during surgery, it was discovered that the tumor partially involved the walls of the left iliac arteries. Moreover, after separating the tumor from surrounding tissues, it became evident that the pancreas was also affected. The scope of the operation was expanded to include resection of the body and tail of the pancreas along with the spleen, as the blood supply to the spleen and pancreas was already compromised at this level.”

During surgery, as expected, a portion of the colon was removed. However, to minimize the risk of postoperative complications, the surgeons opted not to perform simultaneous reconstruction of the colon.

“Given the risks associated with this clinical case and the extensive surgical trauma, we decided to temporarily create a colostomy,” explained Deputy General Director for Surgery, Dr. Andrey Ryabov. “Otherwise, all our efforts might have been in vain.”

After a period of monitoring the patient’s condition, the doctors will determine the next steps in her treatment plan. Once her condition is thoroughly assessed and no complications arise, reconstruction of the colon can be considered.

We wish the doctors and the patient success on this path!