‘Thou shalt not throw away a living thing’: A single-centre 10-year experience using the spare parts principle for complex sarcoma reconstruction

Abstract

For aggressive limb sarcomas beyond reconstructive reach, an amputation may be the only alternative to achieve a complete tumour resection. However, very proximal amputations result in greater loss of function and quality-of-life impact. The spare parts principle advocates utilising tissues distal to the amputation site, for reconstructing complex defects and preserving the function. We aim to present our 10-year experience utilising this principle in complex sarcoma surgery. A retrospective review of our prospective sarcoma database was conducted for sarcoma patients treated with an amputation between 2012 and 2022. Cases in which distal segments were used for the reconstruction were identified. Demographic data, tumour characteristics, and surgical and non-surgical treatment, along with oncological outcomes and complications, were recorded and analysed. Fourteen patients were eligible for inclusion. The median age was 54 years at presentation (8-80 years) with 43% being females. Nine had a primary sarcoma resection, two were treated for recurrent tumours, two presented intractable osteomyelitis following sarcoma treatment and one had an amputation as a palliative procedure. The latter was the only oncological case in which tumour clearance was not achieved. Three patients developed metastasis and subsequently died during follow-up. Careful balancing of oncological goals and preservation of function is required for proximal limb-threatening sarcomas. When an amputation is required, tissues distal to the cancer site provide a safe reconstructive alternative, optimising patient recovery and preserving function. Our experience is limited by the small number of cases presenting with these rare and aggressive tumours.