MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO HEMIPELVECTOMY FOR PELVIC SARCOMAS

Pelvic sarcomas are a rare and diverse group of tumors in terms of size and histology. Pelvic sarcomas present a treatment challenge to the orthopaedic oncologist. The size and location of these tumors require a varied approach to resection and reconstruction, but the tumor's proximity to other internal structures within the pelvis (e.g., the bladder, the iliac vessels, and the bowel) makes extrication demanding. The ideal treatment requires assembling a hemipelvectomy team that consists of an orthopaedic oncologist, a surgical oncologist, a urologist, a vascular surgeon, a gynecologic oncologist, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, a dedicated anesthesia team, and a dedicated rehabilitation physical therapy team. Each member can use his or her expertise to address the individual aspects of the pelvic resection and achieve the optimal oncologic and functional outcome.