Operations for Sarcomas on the Lower Extremity

Abstract

From the standpoint of choice of operative procedure, it is fortunate that the thigh is one of the more frequent sites of origin of soft-tissue sarcomas. Both the anatomy and bulk of tissue in this site often allow an adequate soft-part resection in terms of tumor margin, and “limb salvage” can be achieved. It is also possible in many instances to obtain an adequate local margin around the sarcoma by wide but intracompartmental excision. However, the size of the sarcoma and the nonfunctional nature of the musculature proximal and distal to the muscle resection usually lead to essentially total compartmental resection. The choice of patients for amputation is made on an anatomic basis, with standard operative techniques being employed except for proximal thigh and buttock lesions. The technique of hemipelvectomy or hip joint disarticulation is utilized if amputation is required.