Infective complications following tumour endoprosthesis surgery for bone and soft tissue tumours

Abstract

AimsThis study aims to describe the incidence of infective complications, including tumour endoprosthesis infection, in a cohort of patients undergoing tumour endoprosthesis surgery in Victoria, Australia. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was performed over 15 years (January 1996–December 2010). Results121 patients underwent tumour endoprosthesis surgery during the study period. Patients were followed for a median of 34 months (interquartile range [IQR] 17, 80). Overall, 34 patients (28%) experienced infective complications including: bacteraemia in 19 patients (16%) and tumour endoprosthesis infection in 17 (14%). The majority of patients with early and late acute infections (haematogenous) were managed with debridement and retention of the prosthesis in addition to biofilm-active antibiotics. Late chronic infections were predominantly managed by exchange of the prosthesis. The overall success rate of treatment was 71%. The success rate for debridement and retention was 75% compared with 67% for exchange procedures. ConclusionsThere is a significant rate of infective complications following tumour endoprosthesis surgery including 14% of patients experiencing infection involving the tumour endoprosthesis. This study is the first to report on outcomes from debridement and retention of the prosthesis; which had comparable success rates to other treatment modalities.