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Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Programme
Overview
The Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Programme provide the solution to diagnose and treat Bone Cancers such as Soft Tissue Sarcomas, Osteosarcoma, Ewing's Sarcoma and Chondrosarcoma etc. with limb salvage surgery, using customised modular bone & joint prosthesis and biological grafts.
Specialists in Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Prosthetics, also address ‘quality of life’ issues of patients with effective support at each step of the treatment plan.
What is Limb Salvage Surgery?
Limb Salvage Surgery is a surgical process of removing the damaged or diseased bone in the limb (arm or leg) affected by the malignant tumour, without actually removing the limb. A bone graft is then used to replace the removed bone. This graft can be of three types:
- Autograft: A bone graft taken from the patient's own body
- Allograft: A bone graft taken from another person
- Allo-prosthetic composite: A combination of bone graft and metal implant
The goal of the surgery is to help save the use and appearance of the limb with minimal complications while maintaining acceptable functionality of the limb. It is also known as Limb-Sparing Surgery.
What are the Indicators for Limb Salvage Surgery?
The major indicators that highlight the need for Limb Salvage Surgery are:
Used in the treatment of high-grade malignancies of the
- Proximal Humerus
- Scapula
- Clavicle
- Shoulder and its joints
- Rotator cuff or glenohumeral joint
- Periscapular soft tissue
What are the Conditions Treated under Limb Salvage Surgery?
Some of the major conditions treated under Limb Salvage Surgery are:
- Peripheral artery disease
- Traumatic injuries
- Diabetic foot disease
- Osteosarcoma
- Soft tissue sarcoma
- Bone resorption and fracture
- Impending fractures in limb
- Limb fungation
- Malignancy of joints
What are the Steps Required for the Preparation of the Surgery?
- Inform the doctor about current medication and past medical history so as to prepare for any complication beforehand.
- Undergo the entire tests including pre-anaesthetic check-up for evaluation of current health condition, before the surgery.
- Ask a family member to accompany the patient on the day of surgery.
- Arrange for crutches or a wheelchair as one might need them after the surgery.
- Be both physically as well as mentally prepared for the surgery.
- Do some exercises to help strengthen muscles with the help of a Physiotherapist.
What are the Precautions one must Take Before and After the Surgery?
The important precautionary measures one must consider before and after the surgery are:
Before the surgery
- One week prior to surgery, refrain from taking medicines such as:
- Aspirin
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS)
- Avoid eating or drinking anything a night prior to surgery
- Abstain from drinking alcohol.
After the surgery
- Take follow-up visits with the orthopaedic surgeon every 6 months until full recovery
- In case of fever, pain, swelling, redness, any discomfort, contact the healthcare provider
- Take prescribed medicines on time
- Exercise daily as suggested by the Physiotherapist to recover strength and flexibility.
Are There any Complications Involved?
Surgery in any form comes with some or other kinds of complications. A patient who undergoes Limb Salvage Surgery may experience following complications, such as:
Infection at the site of the surgery
- Pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Loosening of implants
- Shifting of implants
- Breakage of implants
- Rapid loss of blood flow
- Loss of sensation in the affected limb
- Severe blood loss
- Anaemia
These complications are not severe and can be managed easily if a patient takes proper care after surgery.
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Our Medical Experts
BLK-Max Hospital is home to 350+ eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.
