Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2025
Minimally Invasive Isolated Limb Perfusion (MI-ILP) for Locally Advanced Melanomas and Sarcomas of the Extremity
Published on: January 31, 2025
Evaluating the impact of an interdisciplinary integrated limb preservation service operating concurrently with a
Sebouh Bazikian1, Alyssa J Pyun2, Hanke Zheng3,4
1Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Background:
This study examined the efficacy of an interdisciplinary limb preservation service (LPS) in improving surgical outcomes for diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) patients compared to traditional care.
Methods:
Data from January 1, 2017 to September 30, 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. An interdisciplinary LPS clinic began on August 1, 2018, coexisting with a preexisting single specialty service. Primary outcomes were major/minor amputation rates and ratios and hospital length of stay. Surgical endpoints pre- and post-LPS launch were compared.
Results:
Among 976 procedures for 731 unique DFU patients, most were male (80.4%) and Hispanic (89.3%). Patient demographics were consistent before and after LPS initiation. Major amputation rates decreased by 45.5% (15.4%-8.4%, p = 0.001), with outpatient procedures increasing over 5-fold (3.3% pre-LPS to 18.7% post-LPS, p < 0.001). Hospital stay reduced from 10.1 to 8.5 days post-LPS (p < 0.001). The major to minor amputation ratio declined from 22.4% to 12.7%.
Conclusions:
The interdisciplinary LPS improved patient outcomes, marked by fewer major amputations and reduced hospital stays, suggesting the model's potential for broader application.
