Laparoscopic assisted resection of a ilio-sacral chondrosarcoma: A single case report

Sacral tumor often involves en bloc surgical resection with tumor-free margins and functional reconstruction challenges. Such a management is challenging because of difficulties in accessing the lesion, risks for damages of neighboring organs, and risks for massive blood loss. In posterior approach, because first elevation of the sacrum allows dissection of presacral structures, such risks for damages intrapelvic structures and hemorrhage are especially high.

We report here about a laparoscopic assisted posterior resection of a ilio-sacral chondrosarcoma in a women, 6 weeks after vaginal delivery. Primary laparoscopic approach consisted in dissection of the ureter and of the colon with control to the pelvic vessels and nerves and determination of limits of the resection. The iliac osteotomy was performed from posterior approach with saw and osteotomes at the predetermined extralesional level. The defect was replaced with a structural fresh frozen femoral allograft and stabilization performed by lumbo-ischial screw/rod fixation.

Surgical time was about 360min. No intra-postoperative complications occurred. Blood loss was estimated to about 1000cm(3). Histologic examination of the specimen showed tumor-free margins. At 8 months follow-up, the patient appears to be without recurrence. Because of the denervation of the nerve root L5 and below, she mostly uses two canes, but she has a functioning quadriceps. Continence and voiding functions for urine and stool have fully recovered.

Primary laparoscopic approach appeared to be a good way for preparation orthopedics sacroiliac resection to reduce postoperative morbidity, intraoperative blood loss and better assure macroscopic tumor-free margins.