The Implications of an Unplanned Sarcoma Excision (the "Whoops" Operation)

In this review, the risk factors of an unplanned excision of soft-tissue sarcoma and the implications of non-oncologic resection are discussed. Although soft-tissue sarcoma remains a rare disease, many studies have shown the deleterious effects of unplanned excision, including decreased recurrence-free survival and increased morbidity. Once discovered, sarcomas should be referred to expert centers for further management, which often entails re-excision, radiation, and/or chemotherapy treatment. Although much still needs to be learned about this complex disease, a multidisciplinary approach including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists is paramount to its successful treatment.