Radical retroperitoneal tumor surgery with resection of the psoas major muscle

Three patients with extensive retroperitoneal cancer are presented, in whom the psoas muscle was resected as part of a radical tumor excision. The resection of the psoas muscle, including the femoral nerve, which travels in its substance, and the genitofemoral and ilioinguinal nerves, caused little morbidity (denervation weakness of the quadriceps and anterior thigh numbness) and improved the quality of the excision. Ablation of the psoas muscle is technically possible; it may improve the patient's outlook both for palliation and for curative intent.