Soft tissue sarcomas are a group of heterogeneous neoplasms with more than 50 histological subtypes exhibiting major differences in terms of pathogenesis, genetic alterations and clinical behavior. Sarcomas represent approximately 1% of malignancies with retroperitoneal sarcomas representing 10-15% of all soft tissue sarcomas. Surgery is currently the only modality which offers the chance of cure. Surgery for retroperitoneal sarcomas presents specific challenges due their location in a complex space surrounded by vital structures and visceral organs often prohibiting resection with wide margins. Furthermore, even after complete resection local recurrence is common and the leading cause of death. In this article the authors describe the initial investigations, prognostic factors and optimal surgical management. The evidence and current research as regards the role of multimodality treatment is reviewed and discussed.