Anterior compartment resection of the thigh in soft-tissue sarcomas

Aims Soft-tissue sarcomas of the anterior thigh present technical problems due to the proximity of the femoral vessels, and the disability caused by a standard anterior compartment resection. Methods We treated 44 consecutive patients with primary sarcomas in the anterior thigh with wide resection (n = 15), and modified (n=26) or standard (n = 3) compartment resection. No patient had amputation as primary treatment. Results The overall rate of local recurrence was 6/44 (14%). Local recurrence was observed in 1/3 patients with standard anterior compartment resection and 5/41 (12%) of those with wide excision or modified compartment resection. It was noted in 1/6 (17%) patients with adjuvant radiation and 5/38 (13%) of those treated with surgery alone. One of six patients with local recurrence required amputation. The 5-year survival rate was 66% varying significantly according to grade. Conclusions Limb preservation was possible in 98% of patients. Wide resection or modified compartment resection was feasible in the majority (93%) of patients resulting in improved function.