Brachytherapy tubes and free tissue transfer after soft tissue sarcoma resection

Irradiation commonly is used after resection of soft tissue sarcomas to decrease the local recurrence rate. Brachytherapy spares more normal tissue than external beam irradiation and permits irradiation to the tumor bed in the immediate postoperative period. After vascular anastomosis and irradiation, flap survival can be affected by vascular coagulation in the immediate postoperative period and later by vascular fibrosis secondary to irradiation effects. The purpose of the current retrospective study was to evaluate the survival of free tissue transfer when combined with brachytherapy after resection of soft tissue sarcomas. Thirty-six patients had wide resection of extremity tumors, free flap coverage, and brachytherapy 5 days after surgery. Followup averaged 54 months. There were three major and four minor complications. The major complications included two patients with free flaps who required revision of anastomosis before radiation therapy (they had brachytherapy 5 days after the second surgery without additional complications) and one patient who had a deep wound infection develop 2 months after the index procedure and required a second flap. Minor complications included one hematoma, one partial skin graft loss, and two superficial infections. Brachytherapy can be done safely at the site of microvascular anastomosis in the immediate postoperative period.     

Long-term results with resection of radiation-induced soft tissue sarcomas

INTRODUCTION: Radiation therapy is increasingly used as adjuvant treatment of many childhood and adult malignancies. Radiation-induced sarcoma is a well recognized if uncommon event. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and long-term outcome for patients who develop radiation-induced sarcomas. METHODS: From July 1982 to December 2001, 4884 adult patients with sarcoma were admitted and treated at our institution and recorded in a prospective database. There were 123 (2.5%) patients who had radiation-induced soft tissue sarcomas. Survival was determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics were tested for their prognostic significance by log rank and the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: The median interval between radiation and development of sarcoma was 103 (6 to 534) months. In 114 patients with radiation-induced sarcoma who underwent curative resection, the 5-year actuarial survival was 41%, with a median survival of 48 months at a median follow-up of 36 months for survivors. The most common malignancy for which radiation was used was breast cancer (29%), followed by lymphoma (16%) and prostate cancer (15%). Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (23%) was the most common histologic diagnosis, followed by fibrosarcoma (15%) and angiosarcoma (15%). High-grade tumors (n = 85; 79%), age > 60 years (n = 61; 50%), and gross positive resection margin (n = 36; 32%) were predictive of poor sarcoma-specific survival on univariate and multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The increasing utilization of adjuvant radiation therapy, especially for early-stage breast cancer mandates long-term follow-up to detect radiation-induced sarcoma. Surgical resection remains the primary therapy, but 5-year survival remains approximately 40%.     

Vascularized tissue transfer for closure of irradiated wounds after soft tissue sarcoma resection.

During the years 1985 to 1989, 82 patients were included in the soft tissue sarcoma protocol. Preoperative irradiation (50-54 Gy) was performed in all patients before tumor extirpation. Microwave hyperthermia was performed in conjunction with radiation in patients who had gross tumor remaining after initial biopsy. Primary closure with vascularized tissue (flaps) in lieu of conventional wound closure by skin approximation led to less complications (19% versus 51%), fewer secondary procedures for wound closure (10% versus 35%), shorter average hospitalization (15 versus 48 days) and greater limb salvage rate (97% versus 91%). The authors conclude that vascularized tissue (flaps) for primary wound closure in irradiated tissue leads to improved wound healing, and should be considered the procedure of choice for heavily irradiated soft tissue sarcoma defects.     

Microvascular soft tissue reconstruction after complicated talocrural arthroplasty

Seven patients were referred to our unit during a 17-month period because of soft tissue problems 2–4 weeks after a talocrural arthroplasty (TCA). The infection was superficial in one and deep in six cases. In all patients the area was revised and a microvascular flap reconstruction was performed. In four cases the prosthesis was left in place and in two TC fusions were done. The flap was selected according to size and shape of the defect. Four partial latissimus dorsi flaps (LD), two gracilis free flaps, and one radial forearm flap (RF) were used. Four of the seven TCAs could be salvaged and no amputations were needed.     

Pediatric soft tissue sarcomas

Soft tissue sarcomas in children are rare. Approximately 850 to 900 children and adolescents are diagnosed each year with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) or a non-RMS soft tissue sarcoma (NRSTS). RMS is more common in children 14 years old and younger and NRSTS in adolescents and young adults. Infants get NRSTS, but their tumors constitute a distinctive set of histologies. Surgery is a major therapeutic modality and radiation plays a role. RMS is treated with adjuvant chemotherapy, whereas chemotherapy is reserved for the NRSTS that are high grade or unresectable. This review discusses the etiology, biology, and treatment of pediatric soft tissue sarcomas.     

Free tissue transfer in reconstruction following soft tissue sarcoma resection

Background: Radical surgical resection remains the single‐most important treatment in the curative multimodal therapy of soft tissue sarcomas. Refinements in surgical techniques have resulted in the development of function preserving approaches increasingly avoiding limb amputation. Patients and methods: The records of all patients (n = 34) who underwent microsurgical soft tissue coverage subsequent to primary resection of soft tissue sarcoma of the upper or lower limb from 1999 to 2009 are reviewed regarding postoperative complications, time until start of adjuvant radiation and functional outcome (Toronto Extremity Salvage Score, TESS). Results: Thirty‐four patients (range: 21–86 years) received a total of 35 free flaps. Complete tumor resection was obtained in 33 patients, one patient required re‐excision ultimately resulting in tumor‐free margin status (R0 resection). Major complications were encountered in four cases including one patient with complete flap loss requiring an additional free flap and three patients with partial flap loss requiring split‐thickness skin graft procedures. Minor complications were observed in three patients (9%). Extremity salvage could be achieved in 33 patients with adequate postoperative ambulation (TESS 84 ± 18) and adequate use of the upper extremity (TESS 80 ± 22). One patient underwent amputation. Mean time until start of adjuvant radiotherapy was 37 days (range 24–56 days). Conclusion: A synergetic center‐based interdisciplinary approach is crucial in therapeutical management of soft tissue sarcomas with the aim of R0 resection status and limb preservation. Plastic surgery contributes by offering microsurgical reconstruction using free tissue transfer, thus broadening surgical possibilities. This increases the chance of both adequate oncosurgical resection and limb preservation. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 2011.     

Radiosensitivity of soft tissue sarcomas

The correlation between the effectiveness of radiation therapy and the histology of soft tissue sarcomas was investigated. Of 31 cases with a soft tissue sarcoma of an extremity treated by conservative surgery and postoperative radiation of 3,000-6,000 cGy, local recurrence occurred in 12; 5 out of 7 synovial sarcomas, 4 of 9 MFH, one of 8 liposarcomas, none of 4 rhabdomyosarcomas and 2 of 3 others. As for the histological subtyping, the 31 soft tissue sarcomas were divided into spindle cell, pleomorphic cell, myxoid and round cell type, and recurrence rates were 75%, 33.3%, 16.7% and 0%, respectively. From the remarkable difference in recurrence rate, it was suggested that round cell and myxoid type of soft tissue sarcomas showed a high radiosensitivity compared to the spindle cell type with low sensitivity. Clarifying the degree of radiosensitivity is helpful in deciding on the management of limb salvage in soft tissue sarcomas of an extremity.     

Reconstruction after excision of soft tissue sarcomas of the limbs and trunk

From a retrospective analysis of 180 surgical interventions for soft tissue sarcoma of the limbs and trunk, it was concluded that complete excision of the tumour can usually be achieved without sacrifice of major artery, vein, nerve or bone. In this series five major arteries were resected but only one required reconstruction. None of six resected major veins or seven resected nerves were reconstructed. Bone resection in the limb required plating in only two of eleven patients who had limb-sparing resection (there were nine amputations). Both in the limbs and the thorax, resection of bone often involved such a wide excision of the superficial soft tissues as to require a flap repair: four were used in the limbs and three in five chest wall resections. In the majority of operations (140/180) primary wound closure was possible. After 15 procedures for tumour predominantly involving the superficial tissues, split skin grafts were used. These were generally successful (13/15), even occasionally when high-dose radiotherapy had been given. In 16 cases earlier radiotherapy influenced the decision to use a flap repair. A total of 18 flap repairs were performed. In various situations Mersiline mesh (Ethicon, Ltd., UK), Silastic implants and omental swings were used. Wound breakdown in heavily irradiated tissues presented a major challenge for reconstruction. Although major reconstruction was required in only 27 operations (15 per cent), a thorough knowledge of the available methods of reconstruction and repair is essential to allow uninhibited resection with an optimal aesthetic and functional result.     

Management of extremity soft tissue sarcomas

Soft-tissue sarcomas are a rare and heterogeneous group of tumors. The last few decades have seen rapid strides in surgery with function preserving alternatives for local control in these lesions becoming the norm without compromising on overall disease survival. Good functional and oncological results can be achieved with a combination of excision of the tumor, and where required, suitable adjuvant therapies. These lesions are best managed at specialty centres where the requisite multidisciplinary care can be offered to the patient to optimise results. This overview is intended as a review of current understanding and the multimodality management of these challenging tumors.     

The management of soft tissue sarcomas

BackgroundSoft tissue sarcomas are a rare and heterogeneous group of malignancies that are derived from the mesenchymal cell lines. In the last few decades, the management of these lesions has been improved by the introduction of dedicated Multi Disciplinary Teams (MDTs) where most bone and soft tissue tumours are now treated.¹Following the recent changes to management outlined by the NICE/IOGs, we believe it is pertinent to review the current thinking on soft tissue tumour management.² We also discuss the principles of diagnosis and treatment and the role of adjuvant therapy.MethodsThis is a retrospective review. In the preparation of this paper, we have referred to recent NICE guidelines in this field and have performed a Medline search of the existing literature.ResultsThe key to success is early and appropriate patient referral. Whilst the responsibility for performing surgery has shifted away from the generalist and towards the super-specialist, improvements in survivability can be achieved by promoting basic knowledge within the medical profession as a whole.ConclusionsBoth excision and biopsy of a soft tissue sarcoma by a non-specialist surgeon have been shown to increase the risk of tumour recurrence and all invasive procedures should now be performed within the MDT setting.     

The management of soft tissue sarcomas

The management of soft tissue sarcomas presents one of the more exciting areas of the application of multimodal therapy for malignancy. Rapid developments have taken place in the understanding of the histogenesis, histopathology, prognostic indicators and treatment approaches. With the combination of local irradiation and adjuvant chemotherapy, limb sparing operations can now be widely advocated with amputation being reserved for proximal difficult lesions. Retroperitoneal sarcomas, however, remain a major challenge with little progress in results of therapy, other than improved operative morbidity in the last 10-15 years. Current prospective, randomized studies of the management policies designed to maximize survival while minimizing morbidity should provide further insights in the near future. Our current and past experience with more than 150 new cases each year allows a brief summary of the understanding and management of these difficult problems.     

Prognostic factors of soft tissue sarcomas

Background The management and outcome of soft tissue sarcomas is strongly influenced by the rarity of these tumors. Different determinations of tumor-, patient and treatment related facts with predominant influence on outcome and prognosis make comparison of results difficult. Methods To select the prognostic variables, a critical review of all points in the management of soft tissue sarcomas is necessary. Results A variety of clinical, pathological, surgical and adjuvant treatment variables results in relative and absolute prognostic value. The duration of symptoms, the physician delay, the kind of diagnosis, staging and multidisciplinary management are important variables. The anatomical site, sex, age and histologic category seems to play a secondary role. The prognostic value of the size of tumors is related to their localization and resectability, time of diagnosis, quality of resection and adjuvant treatment. Tumor localization and tumor size strongly influences resectability. Tumor grade and quality of surgical resection and therefore local tumor control are the most important prognostic variables. The risk of dissemination and metastatic disease is also highly correlated with tumorgrade, surgical treatment and adjuvant therapy. Conclusions The clinical evaluation and treatment of patients with soft tissue sarcomas are challenging problems. Revised definitions and concepts in prospective multicenter treatment modalities are necessary to improve the prognosis and select factors of prognosis.     

Management of extremity soft tissue sarcomas

This article provides an understanding of the evaluation, staging, and management of patients with extremity soft tissue sarcoma. Although there are straightforward guidelines to the management of patients with extremity soft tissue sarcoma, each patient presents with a unique tumor, and considerations for tumor control, functional outcome, and the toxicity of therapy must be considered. As is true for patients diagnosed with sarcoma at other anatomic sites, a multidisciplinary team approach streamlines care with attention to the complexities and intricacies of choosing and delivering optimal therapy.     

Clinical management of soft tissue sarcomas

The prognosis of soft tissue sarcomas has dramatically improved over the past few decades thanks to the use of increasingly suitable multidisciplinary therapeutic approaches. An assessment of the results of our series of 21 patients, carried out in the light of the most recent literature data, has led us to revise our approach to a number of problems regarding the natural history, the nosographical classification and the therapy of these cancers. This type of tumour arises in a muscle compartment and then spreads proximally and distally within the compartment without involving adjacent structures, except in a relatively advanced phase, while as regards remote metastases the preferential diffusion route is via the bloodstream. Thorough assessment of the clinical and morphological characteristics is essential for adequate treatment: echotomography, CT, and MRI are particularly useful in preoperative staging; a microscopic examination should always include precise classification and accurate assessment of the tumour grade. Surgical management consists in extensive en bloc resection, followed by radiotherapy in the event of unclear margins and/or high grade tumour even when dealing with small sarcomas. The main indications for chemotherapy are locally advanced cases or cases with distant metastases. Thanks to these therapeutic approaches today, good results can be achieved, with 5-year survival rates of 80 and 67%, respectively, in stages I and II, and of 12 to 50% in the more advanced stages.     

Treatment of soft tissue sarcomas of the leg

An analysis of data of 548 patients with different diseases of soft tissues of lower extremities after using a complex of diagnostic measures (clinical, radionuclide data, thermography, puncture, biopsy) has shown that the number of erroneous conclusions may be minimized to 2%. Modern advances of plastic surgery can widen indications for preserving operations in malignant tumors of soft tissues of lower extremities without prejudice to the main principle of oncology concerning its fascial character. Combined treatment can also improve the results.     

Microvascular soft tissue reconstruction of the digits.

INTRODUCTION: Composite tissue loss to digits following trauma may require flap coverage. Local reconstruction techniques are popular but can result in a functional limitation at the donor site. Small free flaps though complex, may provide a superior alternative. METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed the case-notes of all patients who had a small free flap to a digit following trauma. The time period was 4 years (2000-2004). Sixteen patients with 18 digital free flaps were identified. These comprised of 10 venous flow-through flaps, one lateral arm flap, one great toe to thumb pulp transfer, three first web space flaps from the foot, one medial plantar flap and two free posterior interosseous flaps. All 16 patients were invited for clinical review at an out-patients clinic. Ten patients (11 flaps) attended follow-up. Standardised assessment of outcome in terms of scar quality at both the recipient and donor sites, sensibility, range of motion and function of the hand was completed. RESULTS: Overall the average follow-up period was 14 months, with 16 out of 18 flaps surviving. Of the patients that attended for clinical review, the majority recovered excellent function of the hand (quick-DASH--av. 5.7) with satisfactory aesthetics, minimal pain or limitations in range of motion. The flaps were all soft and durable. Ten flaps recovered protective but not discriminative sensation (only one flap was innervated). The three patients whose donor site was the first-web space of the foot developed significant hypertrophic scarring. CONCLUSION: Small free flaps provide an acceptable method of reconstructing digital defects. Venous flow-through flaps provided the best overall results in this series. The donor site for first-web space flaps is probably unacceptable.