Primary retroperitoneal germ cell tumours: excision via a thoracoabdominal extraperitoneal approach

Abstract

Background: Primary retroperitoneal germ cell tumours usually present as a large abdominal mass in young men. The testes are normal on examination and ultrasonography but there are usually raised serum levels of human chorionic gonadotrophin and/or alpha-fetoprotein.

Methods: Fourteen men (median age 33 years) with primary retroperitoneal germ cell tumours were treated by chemotherapy followed by surgical resection of the primary tumour and metastases via a thoracoabdominal extraperitoneal approach.

Results: There was minimal morbidity. The survival rate was 13 of 14 and the disease-free survival rate was 11 of 14 after a median follow-up of 15 months.

Conclusion: The thoracoabdominal extraperitoneal approach for the removal of retroperitoneal germ cell tumours and their metastases after chemotherapy improves tumour clearance, morbidity and recovery time compared with the transperitoneal anterior approach.