The conservative hemipelvectomy.

Conservative hemipelvectomy is the resection of the ischium, ilium and subjacent extremity. It differs from the orthodox hemipelvectomy method by retaining the ilium, which permits the patient to have normal balance, Sarcomas of the soft tissue extend toward the attachment of the pelvis. The operation has been performed upon ten patients, and the entire operative procedure can be done using the anterior approach, thus minimizing the need to turn the patient. This technique is less traumatic than either disarticulation of the hip joint or hemipelvectomy and can be performed in approximately one and one-half hours, blood loss being limited to an amount varying from 500 milliliters to 1 liter. No postoperative deaths have been recorded. Of the ten patients operated upon, none have had a local recurrence. One obese elderly woman with a liposarcoma died two years after operation from diffuse metastases. The other nine patients are alive and well from two to six years after amputation. The balance of these patients is manifested by the fact that two of them are excellent amputee-skiers.