Learn About Retroperitoneal Inflammation
Retroperitoneal inflammation causes swelling that occurs in the retroperitoneal space. Over time, it can lead to a mass behind the abdomen and its contents called retroperitoneal fibrosis.
The retroperitoneal space is in front of the lower back and behind the abdominal lining (peritoneum). Organs in this space include the:
- Kidneys
- Lymph nodes
- Pancreas
- Ureters
- Adrenal glands
- Esophagus
- Abdominal aorta
- Parts of the colon and stomach
- Rectum
Retroperitonitis
Retroperitoneal inflammation and fibrosis is a rare condition. There is no clear cause in about 70% of cases. It most likely develops due to inflammation of the abdominal aortic artery.
It has been associated with certain risk factors and medicines.
Conditions that can rarely lead to this include:
- Abdominal radiation therapy for cancer
- Cancer -- bladder, breast, colon, lymphoma, prostate, sarcoma
- Carcinoid tumor
- Crohn disease
- Infections -- tuberculosis, histoplasmosis
- Certain medicines, such as methysergide, ergotamine, pergolide, methyldopa, etanercept and infliximab
- Surgery on structures in the retroperitoneum
Symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Anorexia
- Flank pain
- Low back pain
- Malaise
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of retroperitoneal inflammation and fibrosis.
Texas Health Surgical Specialists
Dr. Winston Chan is a double board-certified General Surgeon and Colon and Rectal Surgeon with additional certification and training in the use of the Da Vinci Xi robotic system for minimally invasive surgeries. He is an accomplished surgeon with extensive experience in both university-based teaching and clinical robotics proctoring.Dr. Chan earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He completed his general surgery residency at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and his colon and rectal surgery fellowship at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. Dr. Chan's passion lies in using the latest advanced medical technology, such as robotics and laparoscopy, in combination with his own surgical dexterity to treat complex diseases through small incisions to promote patient comfort and outcomes. His surgical expertise includes treatment of gallbladder disease, hernias, colorectal cancer, diverticulitis and inflammatory bowel disease, anorectal disease, reflux disorders, and soft tissue conditions. Outside of work, he enjoys snowboarding, scuba diving, traveling and spending time with family.Dr. Chan is a member of the American College of Surgeons, American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, and Tarrant County Medical Society. He speaks English and Mandarin. Dr. Chan is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Retroperitoneal Inflammation. His top areas of expertise are Ogilvie Syndrome, Retroperitoneal Inflammation, Gallbladder Disease, Bladder Reconstruction, and Endoscopy.
SOFHA Surgical Group
. Dr. Hodge is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Retroperitoneal Inflammation. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Gallbladder Disease, Cholecystitis, Colostomy, and Gastrostomy.
Advocate Medical Group General Surgery
Marin Marinov is a General Surgeon in Park Ridge, Illinois. Dr. Marinov is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Retroperitoneal Inflammation. His top areas of expertise are Delirium, Gallbladder Disease, Gallstones, Hernia Surgery, and Colostomy.
How well you do with the condition depends on the underlying cause. It can lead to kidney failure.
Published Date: October 27, 2024
Published By: Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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McQuaid KR. Approach to the patient with gastrointestinal disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 118.
Privratsky AM, Barreto JC, Turnage RH. Abdominal wall, umbilicus, peritoneum, mesenteries, omentum, and retroperitoneum. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 44.