Urological aspects of primary retroperitoneal tumours.

An analysis of 50 primary retroperitoneal tumours is presented with emphasis on the urological aspect. 70-80% of the tumours were malignant and sarcomas predominate. The tumour mass was palpable in over 70% of the cases. Frequent involvement of the urinary tract caused lumbar pain in 78% of cases. Intravenous urography and retrograde pyelography are the greatest single aids in accurate diagnosis of primary retroperitoneal tumours since over 70% show abnormalities. Selective angiograms may define the size and operability of the tumour. When diagnosed, extirpation of the tumour is possible in only 30-40% of cases. Postoperative mortality is about 10%. Since 70% of these tumours are radiosensitive, radiotherapy improves the prognosis. Survival for more than 2 years after surgery is exceptional.