ANTERIOR COMPARTMENT RESECTION OF THE THIGH IN SOFT-TISSUE SARCOMAS

Aims: Soft-tissue sarcomas of the anterior thigh present technical pro blems due to the proximity of the femoral vessels, and the disability caused by a standard anterior compartment resection. Methods: We treat ed 44 consecutive patients with primary sarcomas in the anterior thigh with wide resection (n = 15), and modified (n = 26) or standard (n = 3) compartment resection. No patient had amputation as primary treatme nt. Results: The overall rate of local recurrence was 6/44 (14%). Loca l recurrence was observed in 1/3 patients with standard anterior compa rtment resection and 5/41 (12%) of those with wide excision or modifie d compartment resection. It was noted in 1/6 (17%) patients with adjuv ant radiation and 5/38 (13%) of those treated with surgery alone. One of six patients with local recurrence required amputation. The 5-year survival rate was 66% varying significantly according to grade. Conclu sions: Limb preservation was possible in 98% of patients. Wide resecti on or modified compartment resection was feasible in the majority (93% ) of patients resulting in improved function.