Preservation of the contralateral sacral nerves during hemisacrectomy for sacral malignancies

This study aimed to evaluate the oncologic and functional outcome of the cases treated with hemisacrectomy through a sagittal plane in the sacrum and simultaneous en bloc resection together with the ipsilateral sacroiliac joint without sacrificing the contralateral sacral nerves and summarize tumor resection techniques and reconstruction strategy.

En bloc resection of a sacral malignancy with ipsilateral sacroiliac joint and preservation of the contralateral sacral nerves by sagittal hemisacrectomy had been performed in 15 patients. An intra-abdominal aortic balloon was used in all these cases and a combined posterior-anterior approach was adopted. A modified Galveston technique was used to reestablish spinopelvic stability and a nonvascularized fibula autograft was used in selected cases.

Contralateral sacral nerves were preserved in all 15 patients. Adequate margins (wide and marginal margin) were accomplished in 10 patients. Local recurrence occurred in seven (47%) patients, and four of these had an inadequate margin. There was no perioperative death. Four (27%) patients had wound problems. No mechanical breakdown occurred until the last follow-up. All the patients were able to walk without the use of a walking aid. Sphincter function was partially preserved in all these patients. At the last follow-up, seven (47%) patients survived without evidence of disease, two (13%) patients lived with disease, and six (40%) patients had died of disease.

This procedure has an oncologic outcome that is similar to that of other high sacrectomy and a much better function outcome. Although demanding, it is indicated in selected patients.