Pelvic Floor Functionality and Outcomes in Oncologic Patients Treated with Pelvic Bone Resection

Pelvic resections represent some of the most challenging procedures in orthopedic oncology, often necessitating the sacrifice of large bone segments and, subsequently, the loss of nearby soft tissues. Our study aims to evaluate the impact of surgical resections of pelvic bone tumors on the performance of the pelvic floor and digestive, urinary, and genital systems.

We evaluated all malignant or locally aggressive pelvic bone tumors treated with bone resection in our institution between January 2017 and January 2024. The reconstructive approaches were recorded. Pre- and post-operative MRI and CT scans were used to evaluate the grade of pelvic prolapse. The prolapse of the pelvic floor was assessed with the M-line, the H-line, and the anorectal angle. Hydronephrosis was also evaluated. Urinary and fecal incontinence were evaluated with the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ7).

Thirty cases were included in our study. Nine cases were treated with custom-made prostheses, five had ice-cone prostheses, two massive allografts, and one composite allograft-prosthesis. The others had no bone reconstruction. Meshes were used to reconstruct the pelvic floor in 9 cases. Patients with discontinuity of the pelvic ring had a significantly higher grade of pelvic prolapse (M-line) and worse PFIQ7 scores.

The resection of pelvic bone tumors represents one of the main challenges in orthopedic oncology. While planning surgical demolition and performing the subsequent reconstruction, surgeons should also consider the impact of the surgical treatment on the pelvic floor and surrounding organs. Intra-operative reconstructions and post-operative rehabilitation are advisable.