Plastic Surgery Reconstruction of Sarcoma Resection Defects: Form and Function

Abstract

Surgical wide resection is the mainstay of treatment of sarcomas, but the advent of multimodality therapy has improved outcomes and the rates of limb-sparing resection. Often, wounds are unable to be closed primarily and require plastic surgical reconstruction. Following adequate oncologic resection, reconstruction should focus on maintaining functional and esthetic outcomes with minimal postoperative complications. Reconstruction methods range from simple techniques such as skin grafting and local rotational flaps all the way to more complex procedures such as free flaps. The reconstructive surgeon is an integral member of the multidisciplinary team and should be actively involved in treatment planning.

Keywords: Flap; Free flap; Limb salvage; Pedicle flap; Reconstruction; Sarcoma.