The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Surgical resection for non‐familial adenomatous polyposis‐related intra‐abdominal fibromatosis. BJS 2012; 99: 706-713.

Published: 22nd February 2012

Authors: M. J. Wilkinson, J. E. F. Fitzgerald, J. M. Thomas, A. J. Hayes, D. C. Strauss

Background

Intra‐abdominal fibromatosis (IAF) in the context of familial adenomatosis polyposis (FAP) is associated with significant morbidity and high recurrence rates after surgical resection. Non‐surgical treatments are therefore advocated. This study explored outcomes in patients with IAF not associated with FAP who underwent surgical resection.

Method

Data were analysed from a prospectively collected database at a sarcoma tertiary referral centre.

Results

From 2001 to 2011, 15 patients without FAP underwent primary curative surgical resection of IAF. Their median (range) age was 42 (19–64) years. Median tumour size was 18 (8·5–25) cm and weight 1306 (236–2228) g. Complete macroscopic clearance was obtained in all patients. There were no deaths in hospital or within 30 days and only one patient developed a major complication. Median follow‐up was 40 (6–119) months. During follow‐up two patients developed a recurrence after a disease‐free interval of 12 and 16 months.

Conclusion

In contrast to FAP‐associated IAF, non‐FAP‐associated IAF has a very low recurrence rate after surgical resection. Surgical resection is therefore advocated as first‐line treatment in patients with non‐FAP‐associated IAF when resection can be performed with low morbidity. Copyright © 2012 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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