Title

Surgical Management of Intra-Abdominal Desmoid Tumors

Publication Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2000

Abstract

Intra-abdominal desmoids are uncommon neoplasms. The aggressive nature of these tumours and the potential for major morbidity secondary to resection can present a difficult surgical dilemma.Patients with histologically confirmed intra-abdominal desmoid tumours undergoing laparotomy were identified from a prospective database. Clinical features and outcomes in this group were evaluated.The study group comprised 24 patients. Sixteen patients underwent complete resection of the tumour while eight had biopsy only, with or without intestinal bypass. Small intestinal resection was performed in 12 patients, including three who had a near-total enterectomy. Median follow-up was 62 months, with an actuarial overall survival rate of 73 per cent at 10 years. There was no difference in survival rate between completely resected and unresected patients (P = 0·73). There were seven deaths in the entire group, of which four were in those undergoing complete resection.Operation can cure patients with intra-abdominal desmoid tumours, but may result in significant morbidity, especially from loss of small intestine. No other therapy is a predictably good alternative to operation but the natural history of desmoids is often characterized by prolonged periods of stability or even regression. A period of watchful waiting, until significant symptoms develop, may be the most appropriate course in patients who risk mesenteric vascular injury or substantial enterectomy with attempts at resection. © 2000 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd

Discipline

Econometrics | Medicine and Health Sciences

Research Areas

Econometrics

Publication

British Journal of Surgery

Volume

87

Issue

5

First Page

608

Last Page

613

ISSN

0007-1323

Identifier

10.1046/j.1365-2168.2000.01400.x

Publisher

Wiley

Additional URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2168.2000.01400.x

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