[Resection of locally advanced soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities : Surgical strategies to avoid postoperative...

Soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities are rare malignant tumors that constitute less than 1% of all malignant diseases. The aim of multimodal treatment is the complete surgical removal of the tumor into healthy tissue in the sense of an R0 resection. Due to the possible proximity to skin, blood vessels, nerves and bone, locally advanced sarcomas necessitate a specialized interdisciplinary treatment planning which leads to a complete resection of the sarcoma and also ensures a maximum preservation of function or limb. To achieve this, vascular surgical and plastic reconstructive interventions must be taken into consideration. Furthermore, postoperative complications, such as wound healing disorders, seromas and infections must be avoided in order not to delay the rehabilitation. This article summarizes the practice-oriented principles of the surgical treatment for locally advanced sarcomas of the extremities with a focus on the reduction of postoperative morbidity.