[Treatment concepts for complications after resection and defect reconstruction of pelvic tumours]

Partial pelvic resection, internal hemipelvectomy or sacrectomy as a result of bone sarcoma is still challenging. No matter what kind of reconstruction is used, there is still a much higher rate of complications in pelvic surgery compared to sarcoma surgery of the long bones.

We describe the most common complications in pelvic sarcoma surgery and specific complications related to the reconstruction method. Handling strategies for these complications are specified.

We performed a literature search and report our own experiences in the troubleshooting of pelvic surgery-related complications to gain an up-to-date overview of the state-of-the-art in management strategies.

Prospective randomized trials or meta-analyses on this topic are lacking. The literature search depicted that, besides local recurrence, deep infection after reconstruction is the most serious complication. An early revision with radical debridement has to be performed in order to save the reconstruction. In the case of a deep infection, the removal of all implants with a total loss of the reconstruction is often unavoidable. Therefore, an individualized risk-benefit analysis prior to surgery with respect to the type of reconstruction, or no reconstruction at all (hip transposition), together with the patient is advisable.

Complications-especially infections-after hemipelvectomy or sacrectomy are common. In the case of infection, in some cases, an early revision is the only chance to prevent a reconstruction from explantation.