27329 Radical resection of tumor (eg, sarcoma), soft tissue of thigh or knee area; less than 5 cm

Name of the Procedure:

Radical resection of tumor (e.g., sarcoma), soft tissue of thigh or knee area; less than 5 cm.

Summary

This procedure involves surgically removing a small, cancerous or benign tumor from the soft tissue of the thigh or knee. The removal is aimed at eliminating the tumor along with some surrounding tissue to ensure that no cancer cells are left behind.

Purpose

The procedure addresses the presence of a tumor such as a sarcoma within the soft tissue of the thigh or knee. The primary goal is to remove the tumor entirely to prevent its spread and to maintain as much function and appearance of the affected area as possible.

Indications

This surgery is indicated for patients who:

• Have been diagnosed with a soft tissue tumor in the thigh or knee area.
• Have a tumor less than 5 cm in size.
• Exhibit symptoms such as pain, swelling, or impaired mobility due to the tumor.
• Have a biopsy-proven diagnosis confirming the nature of the tumor.

Preparation

Patients are typically required to:

• Fast for at least 8 hours before the surgery.
• Discontinue certain medications, such as blood thinners, as advised by their healthcare provider.
• Undergo pre-operative imaging tests like MRI or CT scans to assess the tumor's size and location.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is administered general anesthesia to ensure they are asleep and pain-free.
2. An incision is made over the location of the tumor in the thigh or knee area.
3. The surgeon carefully dissects and removes the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete removal.
4. The incision is then closed with sutures or staples, and a sterile dressing is applied.

Specialized surgical tools and possibly intraoperative imaging may be used to ensure precision.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity and exact location of the tumor.

Setting

This surgery is usually performed in a hospital operating room or a specialized surgical center.

Personnel

The procedure involves:

• An orthopedic or oncologic surgeon.
• An anesthesiologist.
• Surgical nurses and technicians.

Risks and Complications

Risks include:

• Infection at the surgical site.
• Bleeding or blood clots.
• Damage to surrounding tissues or nerves.
• Recurrence of the tumor.
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia.

Benefits

The primary benefit is the complete removal of the tumor, which can lead to a reduction in symptoms and prevention of cancer spread. Patients can observe improvement in symptoms within days to weeks post-surgery.

Recovery

• The patient will need to stay in the hospital for a few days post-surgery.
• Pain management will be provided through medications.
• Physical activity may be restricted for a few weeks.
• Follow-up appointments are necessary to check for recurrence and assess healing.

Alternatives

Alternatives to this procedure include:

• Radiation therapy: Less invasive but may not be suitable for all tumor types.
• Chemotherapy: Often used in conjunction with surgery for certain cancers.
• Observation: In cases where the tumor is benign and asymptomatic.

Each alternative has its own risks and benefits, and the choice depends on the tumor type and patient’s overall health.

Patient Experience

Patients may experience discomfort and pain post-surgery, which can be managed with medications. Swelling and restricted mobility might occur temporarily, with gradual improvement as healing progresses. Close monitoring and follow-up care are crucial to ensure successful recovery and early detection of any complications.