[Technique and results of hyperthermic perfusion of the extremity in melanoma patients]

The results of hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion therapy in 36 patients with stage II-IV malignant melanoma of the extremities are presented. With the technique employed, neither severe complications nor functional deficiencies attributable to the perfusion therapy were observed. The findings on follow-up for up to 36 months are comparable to those reported in the literature, with survival rates of about 90% for stage II and III patients and nearly 50% for stage IV patients. Thus, our technique appears to be beneficial, especially in respect of the very low rate of side effects.