Clinical outcome of limb-salvage surgery after wide resection of sarcoma and femoral vessel reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Malignant sarcomas of the femur present major challenges in their management. Radical resection of sarcoma frequently requires concomitant major femoral vessel resection and reconstruction. We describe the clinical outcomes of vascular reconstruction, the long-term patency of vascular repair, and complications involved, and also discuss possible solutions to the problems associated with this procedure.

METHODS: In the past 15 years, 15 patients underwent wide resection of sarcoma of the femur with curative intent, including vascular reconstruction of the femoral arteries and/or veins. Arterial reconstruction was performed in 14 patients. In 12 patients, femoropopliteal reconstruction was performed with a contralateral great saphenous vein graft. In two cases involving femoroinguinal reconstruction, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts were used because of unacceptable discrepancy. Myocutaneous flaps were used for covering of soft-tissue in 12 patients.

RESULTS: One patient developed a local recurrence and eight died because of their tumor. Seven patients remained completely free of recurrence after a mean follow-up time of 69 months. One case showed gradual deterioration with ischemic pain in the affected lower extremity requiring amputation. The remaining 14 cases showed sufficient vascularity primarily. Complications after surgery were noted in nine cases, with the most common being leg edema in five cases, wound infection in three, and lymphatic fistula in two. The average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score at the final assessment was 24 points (80%).

CONCLUSIONS: For patients with sarcoma involving major vessels in the lower limb, wide resection followed by vascular reconstruction provides long-term local control and limb salvage with acceptable function. The complication rate from extensive resection and associated vascular reconstruction is high. The great saphenous vein graft produced results that were superior to prosthetic graft. Aggressive use of musculocutaneous flap transfers may help to minimize complications and reduce postoperative severe edema.