Modified Hemicorporectomy: Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: The squamous cell carcinoma is recognized as one of the late complications of pressure ulcers. Due to its aggressive biological behavior and the often late diagnosis, extensive local resections are usually necessary to control this disease. Objective: Describe a modified hemicorporectomy technique, preserving the pelvic bones in a patient with multicentric tumor, locally advanced. Material and Methods: We report a case of a 57-year-old male paraplegic since his teens, with decubitus ulcers in the sacral and trochanteric regions, complicated by squamous cell carcinoma, treated by a modified hemicorporectomy technique, preserving the pelvic bones. Results: The surgical procedure was performed by a multidisciplinary team, allowing complete resection of the tumor through hemicorporectomy, preserving the bones of the pelvis and lumbosacral spine. The surgery lasted eight hours, the patient stayed for three days in intensive care unit, total hospitalization time was fifteen days and there was no need for blood transfusion. In the immediate postoperative period, there was partial necrosis of the muscle cutaneous flap and the patient was discharged in good health. Conclusions: Despite his physical appearance drastically change and the high morbidity of treatment, the surgical procedure improved his quality of life and increased his chances of cure.