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Reviewed by Prof. Luis González Bayón · Updated: April 30, 2026
Specialty
Surgery for abdominal and retroperitoneal sarcomas
At Quenet-Torrent Institute we treat retroperitoneal sarcomas with high-complexity surgery, planned multivisceral resections and a team with expertise in these uncommon tumors.
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Clinical summary
Abdominal and retroperitoneal sarcomas are treated with en bloc compartmental resection, a technique that reduces local recurrence. At Quenet-Torrent Institute (Barcelona · Madrid), Prof. Luis González Bayón applies this approach together with Dr. Quenet and Dr. Torrent, following the ERAS consensus guidelines for retroperitoneal sarcoma.
What are retroperitoneal sarcomas?
Retroperitoneal sarcomas are malignant tumors that arise in the tissues of the retroperitoneum, the anatomical space behind the abdominal cavity. The most common types are liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma. The other types are described in what a sarcoma is and what types there are.
These tumors are usually diagnosed when they have already grown large, because the retroperitoneum allows them to grow without early symptoms. Their proximity to large vessels, the kidneys, the pancreas and other structures makes their surgery particularly complex.
Complete surgical resection is the only potentially curative treatment. The experience of the surgical team has a strong influence on the result.
Symptoms of retroperitoneal sarcomas
Because the retroperitoneum is a large, deep space, these tumors can grow for months or years without causing obvious discomfort. When symptoms appear, the most common is a feeling that the abdomen is getting bigger or a mass that can be felt in the abdomen, often very large at the time of diagnosis.
Other common symptoms are a feeling of fullness or early satiety when eating, abdominal or lower back pain or discomfort that comes on gradually, and symptoms caused by pressure on nearby structures, such as digestive or urinary problems or nerve symptoms in the legs. Unexplained weight loss may also be present. With any of these signs, especially if they persist or get worse, it is advisable to see a specialist to rule out a cancer-related cause.
Causes and risk factors of retroperitoneal sarcomas
In the vast majority of cases, no specific cause is identified to explain the development of a retroperitoneal sarcoma. They are sporadic tumors whose origin is not related to lifestyle or to the usual modifiable factors, which means that in practice they cannot be prevented.
However, some factors that increase the risk have been described. Abdominal or pelvic radiotherapy previously received for another tumor can favor their appearance years later. Certain hereditary genetic syndromes, such as neurofibromatosis type 1 or Li-Fraumeni syndrome, are also associated with a higher predisposition. Prolonged exposure to certain chemicals, such as some herbicides or dioxins, has also been pointed to as a possible risk factor, although its relative weight is difficult to quantify in each individual case.
Why ask for a second opinion on retroperitoneal sarcomas?
Retroperitoneal sarcomas should be treated at centers with proven experience in these tumors.
Assess complete resectability
Confirm whether an R0 resection (no residual tumor) is possible.
Plan a multivisceral resection
Determine which organs should be removed en bloc with the tumor.
Consider preoperative radiotherapy
Assess whether neoadjuvant radiotherapy can improve results.
Being operated on at a specialized center increases the chances of achieving a complete resection in the first operation.
How do we treat retroperitoneal sarcomas?
Surgical treatment is the basis of treatment. The goal is complete resection.
Compartmental resection
Removal of the tumor including the adjacent anatomical compartments.
Planned multivisceral resection
En bloc removal of the kidney, colon, pancreas or other organs depending on the extent.
Vascular resections
Resection and reconstruction of the vena cava, iliac vessels or others when necessary.
Surgery for recurrences
Reoperations for local recurrences, which are common in these tumors.
The strategy is tailored after studying the extent of the tumor in detail.
Our technology
Technology for retroperitoneal sarcoma surgery
These are the tools we use to plan and perform the surgery.
High-resolution CT and MRI
Detailed assessment of tumor extent and its relationship with surrounding structures.
3D reconstruction
Virtual planning of the surgery and the resections needed.
PET-CT
Staging and characterization of tumor behavior.
Advanced vascular surgery
Techniques for resecting and reconstructing large vessels.
Intraoperative radiotherapy
In selected cases to improve local control.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Experience in retroperitoneal sarcoma surgery
Quenet-Torrent Institute treats retroperitoneal sarcomas with teams specialized in these tumors.
Experience in complex cases
We focus on advanced cancer and complex tumors, with techniques such as multivisceral resection or reconstruction of large vessels, which not every center offers.
Comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach
Surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, nutritionists and psychologists review your case together.
Research
We follow the published scientific evidence and review our protocols when new data appear.
Surgical technology
We have high-resolution CT and MRI, 3D reconstruction, PET-CT and intraoperative radiotherapy to plan the surgery and improve local control.
Personal, close care
We explain each step of the treatment and answer your questions throughout the process.
Our team
Retroperitoneal sarcoma specialists
Surgeons on the team who treat retroperitoneal sarcomas.
Dr. François Quenet
Oncological surgeon
View doctor: Dr. François Quenet"Surgeon with expertise in gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary tumors and in highly difficult operations."
Dr. Juan José Torrent
Oncological surgeon
View doctor: Dr. Juan José Torrent"Specialist in gynecological tumors, peritoneal carcinomatosis and complex oncological surgery."
Frequently asked questions about retroperitoneal sarcomas
Answers to the most common questions about diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
Can a retroperitoneal sarcoma be cured?
Yes, when a complete resection with clear margins is achieved. The quality of the first operation is the decisive prognostic factor in retroperitoneal sarcoma, more than the size of the tumor. That is why it matters that a team with specific experience performs it from the start. The factors that affect prognosis are covered in life expectancy in soft tissue sarcomas.
Why is the first operation so important?
Because an incomplete resection leaves scattered tumor cells and disrupts the anatomical planes, which makes any later operation much more complicated. In retroperitoneal sarcoma, the first opportunity is the best and often the only one with real curative intent. Operating without proper diagnosis and planning worsens the prognosis.
Why do organs that look healthy have to be removed?
Because the sarcoma infiltrates the surrounding tissues microscopically, even if they look normal to the naked eye. Compartmental resection, which removes the tumor and the neighboring structures en bloc, improves local control and reduces recurrences. It is not more aggressive surgery than necessary: it is the surgery that matches the biology of the tumor.
Is chemotherapy useful?
In retroperitoneal sarcomas its effectiveness is limited and depends greatly on the histological subtype. Surgery is the main treatment and the only one with curative intent. Chemotherapy is reserved for specific subtypes that have shown a response and for disseminated or unresectable disease.
What about radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy before surgery can improve local control in selected cases. It is considered mainly in certain histological subtypes and when a narrow surgical margin is expected. The indication is decided by the board, because it does not benefit every retroperitoneal sarcoma.
How long does recovery take?
It depends on the extent of the surgery and how many organs had to be resected. The hospital stay is usually 7 to 14 days and full recovery takes between 2 and 3 months. Enhanced recovery protocols, with early mobilization and nutrition, shorten that process.
What happens if the tumor comes back?
Recurrences are common, especially in liposarcomas, and can appear years later. Many are operated on again with good results, although each reoperation is technically more difficult. That is why imaging follow-up continues over the long term: detecting a recurrence early is what makes another operation possible.
Where can I receive this treatment safely?
At centers with proven experience in retroperitoneal sarcomas and a dedicated multidisciplinary board. It is worth asking how many cases the team treats each year and whether it has pathologists experienced in these tumors. In this sarcoma, choosing the right center for the first operation is the most important decision.
Where to treat abdominal sarcomas?
We operate in two private hospitals in Spain. The same medical team treats you in Madrid and in Barcelona, with the same surgical and oncological protocols.
Madrid
Memorial Publio Cordón Hospital
Private hospital in Pozuelo de Alarcón with a multidisciplinary team specialised in digestive surgical oncology.
View Memorial Publio Cordón Hospital
Barcelona
Centro Médico Teknon
Private hospital in Barcelona where the team performs high-complexity surgical oncology.
View Centro Médico Teknon
Real cases
Patients treated by the Quenet Torrent team
Real testimonies from patients treated by our team in high-complexity surgical oncology.
Debra's case
66-year-old English woman with advanced ovarian cancer and peritoneal metastases. Treated with cytoreduction + HIPEC, she is now disease-free.
Read the full caseRosario (Charo)'s case
73-year-old patient with advanced cancer treated with chemotherapy and high-complexity surgical oncology, with good survival and quality of life.
Read the full caseFelipe's case
A mistaken diagnosis of terminal colon cancer that a second opinion revealed to be pseudomyxoma peritonei, treatable with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC.
Read the full caseSantiago's case
Diagnosed with widespread peritoneal carcinomatosis and considered inoperable. After complete cytoreduction with HIPEC, today his is a story of survival.
Read the full case
Verified reviews
See on Google
4.5/5
What our patients say
L
4 weeks ago
5/5
Wonderful surgical team, among the best out there. Dr. Torrent (expert in peritoneal carcinomatosis) is an exceptional surgeon and an even better person. His coordinator is super kind, fast and efficient. The personal care is excellent and so are the results. This is of vital importance for cancer patients.
K
5 months ago
5/5
In the public healthcare system they gave my father a maximum of one year to live. They only offered him chemo and no hope, said it was impossible, that nothing could be done. He had several tumors inside the peritoneal sac with metastases. A year and a half later he is clean, completely cured. His latest PET scan came back clean. We are very happy. Thanks to Dr. Torrent and his team. THANK YOU.
M
A year ago
5/5
Excellent professionals, especially Dr. Torrent, attentive at all times to the patient (my wife), operated for peritoneal pseudomyxoma. They helped us with all our needs since we came from outside Barcelona. Thank you Elisabeth. We are very grateful to Quenet Torrent Institute, thank you for everything.
P
2 years ago
5/5
I am a 63-year-old patient. They detected adrenal gland cancer and told me there was nothing to be done. I sought a second opinion and they told me about the Quenet Torrent team, specialists in complex operations. Dr. Torrent, from the first moment, told me they could operate. They operated and removed a large tumor mass. I spent a week in the ICU and a month on the ward. Every day he came morning and evening, no matter Saturday or Sunday. Never throw in the towel. I am happy to have found these professionals who gave me my life back. Thank you.
I
3 years ago
5/5
Many thanks for your attention. Dr. Torrent always attentive, involved and decisive. The reception staff very pleasant and always offering the best option. 100% RECOMMENDED. THANK YOU.
M
5 years ago
5/5
Dr. Torrent helped me make the best decision at a difficult moment. I think he is a great professional and a person capable of accompanying you and putting himself in another's shoes. Thank you for everything.
F
6 years ago
5/5
I have peritoneal carcinomatosis. When I sent my diagnosis to every center, practically all of them agreed on palliative chemo with little survival time, since I had a very aggressive type of cell. Until we reached Dr. Quenet, Dr. Torrent and their team. I can only confirm what their CV announces: they are far ahead of the rest. They saved my life, because during the operation the harmful cells that everyone had diagnosed, and that were the reason nobody would operate on me, were not there. This intervention has become the best investment of my life.
M
6 years ago
5/5
The best decision of my life was finding this excellent team of surgeons who saved my husband's life. At a prestigious international clinic in Madrid he was given up for lost with advanced peritoneal carcinomatosis from appendiceal cancer, and thanks to them, the best professionals in this field, he was operated on very successfully. A perfect recovery with no complications, because they were on top of his progress at all times. They have a great quality: from the start they were very honest and close. I can only be deeply grateful; we went to buy time and thanks to them my husband got his life back.
E
7 years ago
5/5
Dr. Torrent is a brilliant surgeon and a very approachable and warm doctor, whose manner reveals all the qualities that make him a great person and professional: perseverance, innate curiosity and a desire to learn, humility, sincerity and empathy. Going through an operation is undoubtedly an intense experience, physically and emotionally, in which anxieties arise and you feel very vulnerable. All of that is normal, and as his former patient I can say that his care and professionalism throughout the process were absolutely exceptional. I felt very supported by him, with the confidence of knowing I was in the best hands. I will always be grateful to him. Moltes gràcies Dr. Torrent!
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