In order to successfully avoid or manage complications that occur during the resection of pelvic retroperitoneal tumors, a detailed knowledge and understanding of the anatomy of the retroperitoneal pelvis and the relationships of the various structures contained in and surrounding this three-dimensional space are of utmost importance. The female pelvic retroperitoneum is bounded by different structures as one descends from the superior to the inferior pelvis. The structure and location from which the retroperitoneal tumor arises determines the relationships of the tumor to the surrounding organs. Oftentimes as tumors of the pelvic retroperitoneum grow they encroach into the pelvis, obliterating and violating the normal planes, and rendering resection of these tumors difficult. Herein we describe some commonly encountered pelvic tumors, strategies to prevent complications during resection, intraoperative and postoperative recognition of complications, and management of these complications.