Hemicorporectomy

Intractable decubitus ulcers and femoropelvic osteomyelitis are rare sequelae of paraplegia. Therapy for these conditions ranges from the simple to the complex, including wound debridement and care, alimentary and urinary tract diversion, hip disarticulation, and myofasciocutaneous rotational flaps. Should the condition be recalcitrant to these modalities the only curative therapy is hemicorporectomy. A 28-year-old rendered paraplegic 3 years ago presented manifesting sepsis; marasmus; hip and knee flexion contractures; suppurative sacral and femoropelvic decubitus ulcers, exposed bone, and osteomyelitis; and fecal and urinary incontinence. Pre-operative nutritional supplementation, wound debridement and care, and psychological counselling were provided. Hemicorporectomy was performed, including colostomy, ureteroileal conduit, gastrostomy, and translumbar amputation. Several anatomical, physiological, and operative-technical perspectives are emphasized: a two-staged approach may be preferable--at the first setting an intra-peritoneal exploratory celiotomy with alimentary and urinary tract diversion; and at the second setting an extra-peritoneal hemicorporectomy; preservation of abdominal wall musculature and fasciae to facilitate wound closure; sequential and bilateral ligation of the arteriae et venae iliaca communis; translumbar amputation between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae; extirpation of the fourth lumbar processus spinosus vertebrarum; closure of the dura mater and translation of musculi sacrospinalis into the vertebral canal; avoidance of hypervolemia and hyperthermia; avoidance of wound pressure; testosterone replacement therapy for eunuchism; and physical and occupational rehabilitation including adaptation to a customized bucket prosthesis.