Abstract
Introduction
We aimed to ascertain the oncological outcome of patients undergoing an amputation for sarcoma in our unit.
Method
A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing amputation within a two-year period (2007-2009) was undertaken. Patients were identified from our sarcoma database and cross referenced with OPCS codes and HES data to ensure accuracy. A case note review was then undertaken.
Results
18 patients underwent an amputation over the two year period. There were 10 males and 8 females, mean age 55 (range 18 to 86). 5 amputations were upper extremity (2 forequarter, 2 shoulder disarticulation, and 1 below elbow) and 13 were lower extremity (1 hip disarticulation, 6 above knee, 4 below knee and 2 toe). The diagnosis was confirmed sarcoma prior to amputation. 14 were performed with curative intent, 4 palliative. Each case was discussed at the sarcoma MDT prior to surgery. One patient had induction chemotherapy and two patients pre-operative radiotherapy in an attempt to reduce the size of tumour. 4 patients had undergone surgery outside our sarcoma service prior to referral - in 3 cases limb salvage surgery was precluded by their treatment elsewhere. The median length of stay was 9 days (range 0-165). 7 patients have died of disease and one further patient has metastatic disease.
Conclusions
The length of stay in patients undergoing amputation is short by comparison to other groups of patients. Those patients requiring amputation for sarcoma have a poor prognosis. In the relatively short follow up of patients in this group 39% (7 of 18) have died of disease. This may be due to the size of the tumour, the aggressiveness of the tumour or other factors that are unexplainable.
