Internal hemipelvectomy for primary pelvic tumors, first experience in Peru: a case series

Abstract

Internal hemipelvectomy (IH) is a newer surgical choice for pelvic tumors. It involves resection of the tumor, reconstruction of the pelvis without sacrificing the neurovascular structures, and preservation of the lower limb. We aimed to describe first experience with IH in primary pelvic tumors in Peru. Four patients aged 17 to 49 years old at the time of diagnosis were included. 75% were chondrosarcomas, and 25% were chondroblastomas. The IH types were 50% type II, 25% type I-A, and 25% type III. The neoplasm sizes differed from 5 cm to more than 20 cm. Postoperative complications were right hip arthrosis, transient urinary incontinence, and abdominal eventration. Fifty percent had local recurrence, with a recurrence mean time of 24 months. As a first attempt at this technique in Peru, IH had promising results with a 100% overall survival at 30 months. However, more studies are required to analyze the factors associated with a high rate of recurrence (50%).