RESUMO
Primary sternal tumors are rare and are often metastatic from neoplasms of lung, breast, thyroid, and kidney. A radical resection is indicated for their management. In recent years many rigid reconstructions are described to prevent pulmonary complications and for protection of intra -thoracic organs. It is known that chest wall is a stable yet flexible structure and hence the optimal functional outcome in spite of rigid reconstructions remains an ongoing challenge. We hypothesized that partial sternal resections does not need a rigid reconstruction and studied the functional outcome in series of five cases where simple reconstructions are done.We did standard excision of sternum and ribs depending on the site. Immediate reconstruction was done using available myocutaneous flaps (TRAM flap, Pectoralis major muscle flap and polypropylene mesh). All cases had smooth postoperative course, had excellent coverage, chest wall stability and minimal donor site morbidity. All had a short hospital stay period (8-12 days) with good functional outcome. We do hereby propose nonrigid reconstruction for partial sternal defects as a good and safe alternative.
RESUMO
A retrospective analysis of 14 cases of sacral chordoma seen between 1984 and 1993 at the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology is reported. The mean patient age was 54 years, with 13 males and one female. Seventy-one per cent of patients presented with symptoms related to a painful sacral mass. Eight patients underwent radical surgery and two had adjuvant radiotherapy. One patient had a partial tumour resection. Three patients received radical radiotherapy. Two patients were offered only pain relief medication. The median follow-up was 33 months. The actuarial overall survival (OS) at 5 years was 48%. In the 12 patients in whom curative therapy was attempted, the 5-year OS was 56% and progression-free survival was 36%. Four patients developed local recurrence and three developed distant metastasis.
