Rate and risk factors for wound complications after internal hemipelvectomy.

AIMS: Although internal hemipelvectomy is associated with a high incidence of morbidity, especially wound complications, few studies have examined rates of wound complications in these patients or have identified factors associated with the consequences. The present study aimed to: 1) determine the rate of wound and other complications requiring surgery after internal hemipelvectomy; and 2) identify factors that affect the rate of wound complications and can be used to stratify patients by risk of wound complications. METHODS: The medical records of 123 patients undergoing internal hemipelvectomy were retrospectively reviewed, with a focus on both overall complications and wound complications. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between host, tumour, and surgical factors and rates of postoperative wound complications. RESULTS: The overall rate of postoperative complications requiring surgery was 49.6%. Wound complications were observed in 34.1% of patients, hardware-related complications in 13.2%, graft-related complications in 9.1%, and local recurrence in 5.7%. On multivariate analysis, extrapelvic tumour extension (odds ratio (OR) 23.28; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.97 to 274.67; p = 0.012), both intra- and extrapelvic tumour extension (OR 46.48; 95% CI, 3.50 to 617.77; p = 0.004), blood transfusion ≥ 20 units (OR 50.28; 95% CI, 1.63 to 1550.32; p = 0.025), vascular sacrifice of the internal iliac artery (OR 64.56; 95% CI, 6.33 to 658.43; p < 0.001), and use of a structural allograft (OR, 6.57; 95% CI, 1.70 to 25.34; p = 0.001) were significantly associated with postoperative wound complications. CONCLUSION: Internal hemipelvectomy is associated with high rates of morbidity, especially wound complications. Several host, tumour, and surgical variables are associated with wound complications. The ability to stratify patients by risk of wound complications can help refine surgical and wound-healing planning and may lead to better outcomes in patients undergoing internal hemipelvectomy. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(3):280-284.

Reconstruction of the pelvis after traumatically induced bilateral partial hemipelvectomy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic hemipelvectomy is a catastrophic fracture of the pelvis as a result of high-energy trauma, such as in a car accident. There have been few case reports of traumatic hemipelvectomy because many of these patients die before they are transferred to a hospital. However, an increasing number of patients are being saved and admitted to hospital due to improvements in resuscitation and the emergency response system. Accordingly, there has been a growing body of reports on the management and reconstruction of traumatic hemipelvectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: A healthy 20-year-old Japanese man was trapped beneath a 3-ton steel frame while working on a crane. We describe here a very challenging case of traumatically induced bilateral partial hemipelvectomy with successful reconstruction of our patient's pelvis using a unilateral anterolateral thigh flap. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, there have been few reports of bilateral hemipelvectomy and our case is the first to be successfully treated with a unilateral anterolateral thigh flap.

Oncological and surgical outcome after treatment of pelvic sarcomas.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Treatment of pelvic tumors remains challenging due to complex anatomy, poor oncological outcome and high complication rates. We sought to investigate the long-term oncological and surgical outcome of these patients. METHODS: Between 1980 and 2012, 147 patients underwent surgical treatment for pelvic sarcoma. Histological diagnosis was Chondrosarcoma in 54, Ewing's Sarcoma/PNET in 37, Osterosarcoma in 32 and others in 24 patients. Statistical analysis for the evaluation of oncological and surgical outcome was performed by applying Cox proportional hazards regression and Fine-Gray regression models for competing risk (CR) endpoints. RESULTS: The estimated overall survival (OS) to death was 80%, 45% and 37% at 1, 5 and 10 years, respectively. Univariate analyses revealed a statistically significant unadjusted influence of age age (p = 0.038; HR = 1.01), margin (p = 0.043; HR = 0.51) and grade (p = 0.001; HR = 2.27) on OS. Considering the multivariable model, grade (p = 0.005; HR = 3.04) and tumor volume (p = 0.014; HR = 1.18) presented themselves as independent prognostic factors on OS. CR analysis showed a cumulative incidence for major complication of 31% at 5 years. Endoprosthetic reconstruction had a higher risk for experiencing a major complication (p<0.0001) and infection (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic resections are still associated with a high incidence of complications. Patients with pelvic reconstruction and high volume tumors are especially at risk. Consequently, a cautious decision-making process is necessary when indicating pelvic reconstruction, although a restrictive approach to pelvic reconstruction is not necessarily reasonable when the other option is major amputation.

Rehabilitation considerations for a patient with external hemipelvectomy and hemisacrectomy for recurrent soft tissue pelvic sarcoma: a case report.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: External hemipelvectomy (EHP) is an uncommon procedure involving surgical amputation of the lower extremity and hemipelvis. Soft tissue sarcomas of the pelvis are rare and accompanied by a high risk of disease progression after surgical intervention. The purpose of this case report is to describe the rehabilitation considerations and importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve functional goals to allow discharge with improved independence and decreased caregiver burden. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 58-year-old Caucasian male patient underwent a hemipelvectomy and hemisacrectomy for treatment of a recurrent pelvic soft tissue sarcoma following 4 months of bed confinement secondary to pain and weakness of the involved lower extremity. This report outlines the physical therapy interventions during 3 weeks of inpatient rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates that continuous interdisciplinary care of a complex patient with EHP and hemisacrectomy contributes to significant improvement in functional mobility exceeding prior level of function. This case is particularly interesting because in addition to having a rare diagnosis and undergoing an uncommon surgical procedure, this patient was confined to bed for 4 months prior to surgical intervention, and thus began rehabilitation with a baseline of limited functional mobility and high caregiver burden.

Simultaneous occurrence of a severe Morel-Lavallée lesion and gluteal muscle necrosis as a sequela of transcatheter angiographic embolization following pelvic fracture: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Morel-Lavallée lesions are posttraumatic hemolymphatic collections caused by disruption of the interfascial planes between the subcutaneous soft tissue and muscle. Severe peripelvic Morel-Lavallée lesions have rarely been reported in the literature. By contrast, a number of cases of gluteal muscle necrosis following transcatheter angiographic embolization for pelvic fracture have been reported. Each entity can result in severe infection and sepsis, and the mortality rate in such cases is quite high. However, to date, no previous reports have described a case in which these life-threatening entities occurred simultaneously. CASE PRESENTATION: A 32-year-old Asian man simultaneously developed severe peripelvic Morel-Lavallée lesions and gluteal muscle necrosis with sepsis following transcatheter angiographic embolization after an unstable pelvic fracture. Extremely large skin and soft tissue defects, which were untreatable with any commonly used flaps, were generated after repeated debridement. In addition, a deep-bone infection was suspected in his left fractured iliac bone, while motor function was almost completely lost in his left leg, possibly as a sequela of transcatheter angiographic embolization. As a result of his condition, a left hemipelvectomy was unavoidable. A pedicled fillet flap from his sacrificed left limb was used for the treatment of the defects and to provide a durable base for a prosthesis. Our patient survived and returned to his previous job 24 months after the surgery wearing a prosthetic left leg. CONCLUSION: As illustrated by the present case, severe peripelvic Morel-Lavallée lesions and gluteal muscle necrosis following transcatheter angiographic embolization can occur simultaneously after unstable pelvic fractures. Physicians should recognize that these entities can result in life-threatening sepsis and, therefore, should attempt to detect them as early as possible. When hemipelvectomy is unavoidable, a pedicled upper and lower leg in-continuity fillet flap may provide satisfactory outcomes.

Pelvic resection: current concepts.

Pelvic resection is a technique that involves surgical resection of portions of the pelvic girdle. Historically, this procedure was known as internal hemipelvectomy. Hemipelvectomy is a resection that includes the ipsilateral limb. The main indication for these procedures is primary malignant tumors of the pelvis, but in rare cases they are indicated for metastatic lesions, infection, or trauma. Reconstruction is dictated by the extent of the resection and the remaining structures. Surgical technique is dictated by histology of the tumor and location of the lesion. A multidisciplinary team is required. The patient and family should undergo counseling preoperatively to discuss morbidity and mortality, the extensive rehabilitation process, and life expectancy.

Hemipelvectomy: outcome in 84 dogs and 16 cats. A veterinary society of surgical oncology retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To report clinical findings, perioperative complications and long-term outcome in dogs and cats that had hemipelvectomy surgery for treatment of neoplasia. STUDY DESIGN: Multi-institutional retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 84) and cats (16). METHODS: Medical records (January 2000 to December 2009) of dogs and cats that had hemipelvectomy at participating institutions were reviewed. Postoperative progress and current status of the patient at the time of the study was determined by either medical record review, or via telephone contact with the referring veterinarian or owner. RESULTS: Complications were infrequent and usually minor. Hemorrhage was the main intraoperative complication; 2 dogs required blood transfusion. One dog developed an incisional hernia. In dogs, hemangiosarcoma had the worst prognosis with a median survival time (MST) of 179 days. MST for chondrosarcoma (1232 days), osteosarcoma (533 days), and soft tissue sarcoma (373 days) were not statistically different. Median disease-free interval (DFI) for local recurrence of all tumor types was 257 days. Cats had 75% survival at 1 year, which was significantly longer than dogs. CONCLUSIONS: Survival times for most tumor types can be good, but surgical margins should be carefully evaluated to ensure complete tumor removal. Adjuvant therapies may be advisable particularly for dogs to reduce rates of local recurrence or distant metastasis.

Infection after surgical resection for pelvic bone tumors: an analysis of 270 patients from one institution.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of pelvic tumors with or without acetabular involvement is challenging. Primary goals of surgery include local control and maintenance of good quality of life, but the procedures are marked by significant perioperative morbidity and complications. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We wished to (1) evaluate the frequency of infection after limb salvage surgical resection for bone tumors in the pelvis; (2) determine whether infection after these resections is associated with particular risk factors, including pelvic reconstruction, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, type of resection, and age; and (3) analyze treatment of these infections, particularly with respect to the need of additional surgery or hemipelvectomy. METHODS: From 1975 to 2010, 270 patients with pelvic bone tumors (149 with chondrosarcoma, 40 with Ewing's sarcoma, 27 with osteosarcoma, 18 with other primary malignant tumors, 11 with metastatic tumors, and 25 with primary benign tumors) were treated by surgical resection. Minimum followup was 1.1 years (mean, 8 years; range, 1-33 years). The resection involved the periacetabular area in 166 patients. In 137 patients reconstruction was performed; in 133 there was no reconstruction. Chart review ascertained the frequency of deep infections, how they were treated, and the frequency of resection arthroplasty or hemipelvectomies that occurred thereafter. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients (20%) had a deep infection develop at a mean followup of 8 months. There were 20 infections in 133 patients without reconstruction (15%) and 35 infections in 137 patients with reconstruction (26 %). Survivorship rates of the index procedures using infection as the end point were 87%, 83%, and 80% at 1 month, 1 year, and 5 years, respectively. Infection was more common in patients who underwent pelvic reconstruction after resection (univariate analysis, p = 0.0326; multivariate analysis, p = 0.0418; odds ratio, 1.7718; 95% CI, 1.0243-3.0650); no other risk factors we evaluated were associated with an increased likelihood of infection. Despite surgical débridements and antibiotics, 16 patients (46%) had the implant removed and five (9%) underwent external hemipelvectomy (four owing to infection and one as a result of persistent infection and local recurrence). CONCLUSIONS: Infection is a common complication of pelvic resection for bone tumors. Reconstruction after resection is associated with an increased risk of infection compared with resection alone, without significant difference in percentage between allograft and metallic prosthesis. When infection occurs, it requires removal of the implant in nearly half of the patients who have this complication develop, and external hemipelvectomy sometimes is needed to eradicate the infection.

Preliminary experience with external hemipelvectomy for locally advanced and recurrent pelvic carcinoma.

AIM: Eight highly selected patients are reported, undergoing external hemipelvectomy (EHP) for malignant infiltration of the lumbosacral neural plexus. METHOD: All patients were evaluated by positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT), CT and magnetic resonance imaging. No evidence of disseminated disease was found. With agreement by the multidisciplinary team, surgery was performed by a colorectal surgeon and an orthopaedic sarcoma surgeon and, if needed, by an urologist and vascular surgeon. Patients were reconstructed with either a femoral or a gluteal musculocutaneous flap. RESULTS: Of the eight women [median age 54.5 (40-68) years], two had primary carcinoma and six local recurrence of a previously treated carcinoma. R0 was possible in six patients and R1 resection in two. The median duration of hospital stay was 29.5 (17-102) days. The median follow up was 8.3 (4.7-52.8) months. Three patients have died, one from postoperative complications at 5 months and two from recurrence at 5 and 52.8 months. Phantom-limb was experienced in six patients. Four patients received a prosthesis, one is considering this and one does not want a prosthesis. CONCLUSION: Hemipelvectomy may be considered for a highly selected group of patients with locally advanced carcinoma or recurrence involving the lumbosacral neural plexus.

Internal and external hemipelvectomy or flail hip in patients with sarcomas: quality-of-life and functional outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the quality-of-life of patients who have had an internal hemipelvectomy with and without (flail hip) prosthetic reconstruction and external hemipelvectomy. DESIGN: We reviewed the cases of 15 patients who had undergone either internal or external hemipelvectomy for tumor. Fifteen patients who were previously treated operatively with either a type II periacetabular internal (n = 5) or external (n = 10) hemipelvectomy were evaluated using the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS), Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS), and the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey. There were 11 (73%) men and 4 (27%) women in the study, with a mean age at operation of 46.9 ± 18.0 yrs (range, 18-69 yrs). RESULTS: Follow-up was 30.6 ± 19.6 mos (range, 6-70 mos). Overall mean MSTS score was 45.2 (range, 6.7 to 83.3), and TESS score was 60.4 ± 16.1 (range, 31.8-88.0). The 36-item Short-Form Health Survey physical component score results were lower than the general population. TESS and MSTS were all positively correlated to physical component score. There were no significant influences of postsurgery time on MSTS, TESS, or physical component score. Age had a negative correlation with physical function. CONCLUSIONS: Quality-of-life and functional outcome were significantly reduced for patients with internal and external hemipelvectomies on the TESS, MSTS, and the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey physical component scores.

Treatment of pelvic defect and infection with endoprosthesis exposure by topical negative pressure and irrigation with myocutaneous flap.

The treatment of wound complications and deep infection after hemipelvectomy is challenging. We describe a 17-year-old woman with Ewing sarcoma in the pelvis who underwent hemipelvectomy and reconstruction with an artificial hip joint and bone cement. After the operation, skin necrosis and deep infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were observed. Debridement resulted in exposure of the artificial joint and bone cement. Topical negative pressure (TNP) and irrigation successfully eradicated the infection. The skin and soft-tissue defect was subsequently reconstructed using a combination of free latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap and serratus anterior muscle flap. To our knowledge, this is the first described case of combined TNP and irrigation with myocutaneous flap for the treatment of pelvic infection and skin and soft-tissue defect with endoprosthesis exposure.

Scoliosis after extended hemipelvectomy.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review plus 2 representative case reports. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of scoliosis after extended hemipelvectomy (EH) and illustrate the problem's severity. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: No published series has analyzed this problem. Data are needed to decide the potential need for and timing of spine fusion in these patients. METHODS: We treated 14 patients with EH over 10 years. Mean age was 47 years. Diagnoses included osteosarcoma (6); chondrosarcoma (4); metastatic cancer (2); and MFH and undifferentiated sarcoma (1 each). Operating time ranged from 7 to 15 hours, and mean estimated blood loss was 8 L. Patients were observed for scoliosis, functional results, and for oncological outcome (survival, disease progression). Two patients who became scoliotic after EH illustrate the problem: a 31-year-old man underwent EH for pelvic osteosarcoma and progressively developed a painful 44° scoliotic curve; and a 27-year-old woman who developed a 60° painful scoliotic curve and radiculopathy years after EH including L5-S1 disc disruption. RESULTS: Of 12 patients, 8 died within 7 months of EH. Only 2 of 12 patients are long-term survivors free of disease (3 and 6 years after surgery), and 2 are alive with disease more than 1 year after surgery. In patients >1 year survival, 3 of 4 patients had curves greater than 20°. Of 10 evaluable patients, 2 developed a curve greater than 30° that warranted fusion. Four others had curves between 20° and 30°. Of these 6, 5 developed a sharp-angled lumbar curve with the concavity away from the operated side. Risk factors for symptomatic scoliosis after EH include disc disruption, paraspinal muscle/ligament resection, or facetectomies in ambulatory patients with a lengthy survival. CONCLUSION: Primary spinal fixation should be avoided because of the high morbidity and early mortality of EH. Selected high-risk patients can be stabilized later if they develop painful instability.

Reconstruction of an external hemipelvectomy defect with a two-stage fillet of leg-free flap.

The defect created by external hemipelvectomy for bone and soft tissue tumor resection is a challenge to reconstruct because of the exposure of bone, neurovascular structures, and peritoneal contents, particularly in the setting of previous radiotherapy. In a nonsalvageable limb with extensive tumor involvement and radiation damage, a free fillet of leg flap can be used to provide the necessary large volume of tissue for reconstruction without donor site morbidity. Because of the lengthy operative time for the hemipelvectomy procedure, the fillet of leg flap may be subject to long ischemia time and a subsequently compromised outcome. A two-stage fillet of leg flap for a hemipelvectomy defect was performed with two goals: to decrease ischemia time and to allow the necessary resuscitation of the patient between operative stages. Stage one was dissection of a lower fillet of leg flap, transfer and anastomosis to the contralateral femoral vessels, and temporary inset in the groin. The patient and flap were observed in the intensive care unit for several days. The patient returned to the operating room 3 days later for staged external hemipelvectomy and inset of the viable fillet of leg flap. Throughout follow-up, the reconstructive results and functional outcome were excellent.

Reconstruction modality based on the spare part concept for massive soft tissue defects following oncological hemipelvectomy.

BACKGROUND: Hemipelvectomy for massive malignancy can result in large soft tissue defects that cannot be reconstructed using conventional posterior flaps. For such cases, reconstruction methods, including a latissimus dorsi flap or a rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap, may be applied, resulting in donor site morbidity. Recent innovations in plastic surgery have resulted in the development of novel reconstruction modalities based on "the spare part concept," applying tissues from amputated limbs. METHODS: Five subjects with pelvic malignant tumors underwent hemipelvectomy with reconstruction using the spare part concept. Femoral artery-based myocutaneous flap and free fillet lower leg flap were used for three and two cases, respectively. The clinical results, including postoperative complications and oncological outcomes, were assessed. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 43.2 months (range 12-94 months). No local recurrence was encountered in any cases throughout follow-up. As of the final follow-up, three patients remained alive and two patients were dead due to distant metastasis. Minor postoperative infection was observed in two cases. CONCLUSIONS: The femoral artery-based myocutaneous flap and the free fillet lower leg flap are both useful, safe options for reconstruction of the large defect following extensive hemipelvectomy for malignant bone and soft tissue tumors. The present data support the continued application of these flap reconstruction techniques based on the spare part concept.

The Friedman-Eilber resection arthroplasty of the pelvis.

UNLABELLED: It has been argued that internal hemipelvectomy without reconstruction of the pelvic ring leads to poor ambulation and inferior patient acceptance. To determine the accuracy of this contention, we posed the following questions: First, how effectively does a typical patient ambulate following this procedure? Second, what is the typical functional capacity of a patient following internal hemipelvectomy? In the spring of 2006, we obtained video documentation of eight patients who had undergone resection arthroplasty of the hemipelvis seen in our clinic during routine clinical followup. The minimum followup in 2006 was 1.1 years (mean, 8.2 years; range, 1.1-22.7 years); at the time of last followup in 2008 the minimum followup was 2.9 years (mean, 9.8 years; range, 2.9-24.5 years). At last followup seven of the eight patients were without pain, and were able to walk without supports. The remaining patient used narcotic medication and a cane or crutch only occasionally. The mean MSTS score at the time of most recent followup was 73.3% of normal (range 53.3-80.0%; mean raw score was 22.0; range 16-24). All eight patients ultimately returned to gainful employment. These observations demonstrate independent painless ambulation and acceptable function is possible following resection arthroplasty of the hemipelvis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Post hemipelvectomy incisional hernia.

Incisional hernia is a very rare complication after hemipelvectomy. Very few references are reported in the literature. A rare case of post hemipelvectomy incisional hernia is presented with a unique method of reconstruction using a combination of monofilament polypropylene mesh and a de-epithelialized skin flap in such a way that it provided double breasting of dermal flaps.

Predictors of complications and outcomes of external hemipelvectomy wounds: account of 160 consecutive cases.

BACKGROUND: Hemipelvectomy has high wound complication rates. This study aimed to determine variables that may influence hemipelvectomy wound morbidity. METHODS: The records of 160 consecutive hemipelvectomy patients were reviewed with a focus on demographics, treatment, and surgical techniques. Multivariate analysis was used to determine risk factors for postoperative hemipelvectomy wound infection and flap necrosis. RESULTS: There were 31 standard, 62 modified, and 67 extended hemipelvectomy patients in whom 19 contiguous visceral, 62 spinal, 4 contralateral pelvic resections, and 1 contralateral hemipelvectomy were performed. Hospital mortality rate was 5%, and overall morbidity was 54%. Wound complications such as infection (39%) and flap necrosis (26%) were the most common. For modified, standard, and extended hemipelvectomies, rates of wound infection were 29%, 34%, and 51% (P = .036) and rates of flap necrosis were 16%, 25%, and 35% (P = .046), respectively. Longer operative time and increased complexity were associated with higher wound infection and flap necrosis rates. The hemipelvectomy flap design did not influence the frequency of wound infection (P = .173) or flap necrosis (P = .098). Common iliac vessel ligation was the most statistically significant predictor of flap necrosis and was associated with the 2.7-fold increase in flap necrosis rate (P = .001) in patients undergoing posterior flap hemipelvectomy. CONCLUSIONS: External hemipelvectomy has low mortality but high morbidity. Postoperative wound infection and flap necrosis are multifactorial events related to length and extent of operation. Level of vascular ligation strongly influenced flap necrosis rate for posterior flap hemipelvectomy.

Anaesthesia for hemipelvectomy--a series of 49 cases.

We undertook an audit of 49 consecutive hemipelvectomies performed for primary or secondary malignancy. Combined epidural and general anaesthesia was used in 41 patients. The operations were long (range 90 to 600 minutes). The median crystalloid requirement was 8500 ml (range 1000 to 42000 ml) and a median of seven units of packed red blood cells were transfused (range 0 to 44 units). All measures of coagulation were normalised by the first postoperative day using fresh frozen plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitate. Warmed blood was administered at high flow rates using a custom designed system consisting of a roller pump and high capacity fluid warmer Thirty-five patients were managed postoperatively in the intensive care unit, of whom 31 remained intubated for postoperative ventilation. In 41 patients, postoperative pain management was by a continuous epidural infusion of local anaesthetic and opioid. The average duration of infusion was 4.25 days (range 3 to 6 days). One patient died during surgery from complications relating to massive blood loss, 14 had wound infections and one had an acute brain syndrome. There was significant utilisation of resources involving anaesthesia, surgery, intensive care and blood transfusion services. Anaesthesia for hemipelvectomy is challenging because of the extensive tissue trauma involved, the potential for massive blood loss and the potential for severe postoperative pain. The perioperative management necessitates care from a well coordinated, directed and focused healthcare team.

Hemipelvectomy: a changing perspective for a rare procedure.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the prognosis of patients undergoing a hemipelvectomy (HP) in the treatment of pelvic sarcomas and carcinomas and to review the morbidity and mortality associated with HP. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: The Foothills Hospital, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta. PATIENTS: Thirteen patients with clinically and radiographically isolated malignancies involving the bony pelvis and adjacent structures. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were treated with either an external HP (9 patients) or internal HP (4) in 1983-2001. OUTCOME MEASURES: Survival and recurrence rates for patients in 2 histopathologic groups (sarcoma v. carcinoma); morbidity and mortality associated with HP. RESULTS: Hemipelvectomy was performed for 7 sarcomas (4 primary bone and 3 soft tissue) and 6 carcinomas (5 genital tract and 1 unknown primary). Seven of the 9 external HPs involved composite resection of other pelvic structures, including other pelvic viscera (3 patients), sacrum (3) and portions of lumbar vertebrae and nerves (1). There were no additional resections among the 4 internal HPs, but 3 patients had allograft reconstruction. Length of stay averaged 30 days (range 14-70 d). At least 1 complication occurred in 10 of 13 cases. The most common complication was flap necrosis occurring in 5 patients (38%). There was 1 perioperative death (8%). The survival of patients treated for sarcomas was better than for carcinomas, which were primarily of the genital tract. Only 1 of the patients with a pelvic sarcoma died of disease (86% disease-specific survival), with a median follow-up of 12 months (range 9-108 mo). Of the 7 sarcoma patients 5 were disease-free at last follow-up. One of 6 pelvic carcinoma patients died perioperatively, with another dying of unknown causes 4 months after surgery. Of the 4 remaining patients 3 died of disease, resulting in a median survival of 9 months (range 4-20 mo). Four of 6 patients with pelvic carcinomas developed recurrent disease, none local. CONCLUSIONS: HP has considerable morbidity but is a viable and potentially curative treatment for patients with pelvic sarcomas. With pelvic carcinomas HP was not curative, but did provide short-term local disease control. Future improvements in imaging techniques and quality-of-life studies may help with patient selection. The role of HP in recurrent carcinoma remains to be determined.