Abstract

Desmoid tumor (DT), also known as aggressive fibromatosis, is a rare soft tissue neoplasm. For those tumors localized in the anterior abdominal wall, radical resection and reconstruction with mesh are indicated. Due to the rarity of this disease, there have been no randomized trials, but in reported retrospective series, although it is considered a benign lesion, it is clear that local recurrence is not uncommon. Records from seven consecutive patients (1 man, 6 women; mean age 35 years, range 25-60 years) presenting with desmoid tumors of the anterior abdominal wall were analyzed. In all cases the surgical strategy was the same: wide surgical excision and immediate plastic reconstruction with ePTFE mesh after intraoperative confirmation by frozen section of disease-free margins >1 cm. No immediate postoperative complications were recorded, and no patients developed recurrence after a median follow-up period of 60 months. The long-term mean of global health status recorded was 100%. Radical resection aided by intraoperative margin evaluation by frozen sections, followed by immediate mesh reconstruction, is a safe procedure and can provide a definitive cure without functional limitations for patients with desmoid tumors of the anterior abdominal wall.