Desmoid tumours of the anterior abdominal wall: management and outcome

ABSTRACT

A retrospective study including 12 patients with a similar number of desmoid tumors of the anterior abdominal wall was conducted. Six patients were presented with incisional hernia and only nine patients had a previous laparotomy. No cases with multiple or recurrent tumors or those with Gardner's syndrome were included in this study. All performed investigations [US, CT and IVP] indicated no specific features and were inconclusive. Three tumors were accidentally discovered during incisional hernia operation; while, in six patients, desmoid tumors were suspected in their previous laparotomy incision. It was concluded that wide surgical excision was the mainstay in the treatment of desmoid tumors. Such excision should not be compromised by the awareness about the reconstruction of resultant defects as the recent surgical reconstructive techniques such as synthetic mesh ensure an adequate and effective management in these cases