Tumor in the Left Abdomen

Abstract

Retroperitoneal sarcomas located in the left upper quadrant, particularly when they are large and fill in the space between the aorta, diaphragm, and lateral abdominal wall, require placement of the patient in the right lateral position. The abdomen is opened through a midline incision, first from the xiphoid to the left of and below the umbilicus for a few centimeters. Through this incision, the initial exploration is carried out to assess the location of the tumor mass and therefore, the placement of an oblique incision, which will be connected to the midline incision but also extends to the costal margin and, if needed, into an intercostal space in order to provide the necessary exposure. The incision must be extended into the left chest if the retroperitoneal sarcoma involves the diaphragm and therefore requires resection of the diaphragm.