Hemicorporectomy for intractable decubitus ulcers

A hemicorporectomy was successfully employed for control of intractable decubitus ulcers, osteomyelitis, and low-grade epidermoid cancer in a 55-year-old man marked reduction in pulmonary functions. Strict attention to postoperative fluid balance was associated with a smooth convalescence. The operation may be more applicable to paraplegic patients with intractable pelvic decubiti than to those with advanced pelvic tumors. In view of the increased number of paraplegics who may be at risk for developing this problem, more frequent consideration of the procedure seems warranted.