Name of the Procedure:

Excision of Tumor, Soft Tissue of Pelvis and Hip Area, Subcutaneous; 3 cm or Greater

Summary

This surgical procedure involves removing a tumor from the soft tissue just beneath the skin in the pelvic and hip region. The tumor in question measures 3 cm or larger. The surgery aims to entirely excise the tumor to prevent further growth and potential complications.

Purpose

This procedure addresses the presence of soft tissue tumors in the pelvis and hip area, which can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The goal is to remove the tumor entirely, alleviate symptoms, and prevent the spread of cancerous cells if the tumor is malignant.

Indications

• Presence of a palpable mass or lump in the pelvic or hip area.
• Persistent pain or discomfort in the hip or pelvis.
• Diagnostic imaging (e.g., MRI, CT scan) indicating a soft tissue tumor 3 cm or greater.
• Biopsy results suggesting malignancy.
• Rapid growth of a soft tissue mass.

Preparation

• Patients are typically asked to fast for several hours before surgery.
• Medication adjustments may be needed (e.g., blood thinners).
• Pre-operative imaging studies to map the tumor’s exact location.
• Pre-surgical blood tests and assessments help ensure the patient’s suitability for surgery.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned appropriately, and the surgical site is sterilized.
2. General or localized anesthesia is administered.
3. The surgeon makes an incision over the site of the tumor.
4. Using surgical tools, the surgeon carefully excises the tumor along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue to ensure complete removal.
5. The surgical site is then closed with sutures or staples.

Duration

The procedure typically takes between 1 to 2 hours, depending on the tumor size and complexity.

Setting

This procedure is usually performed in a hospital surgical suite or an accredited outpatient surgical center.

Personnel

• Surgeons specializing in orthopedic or general surgery.
• Anesthesiologists.
• Surgical nurses and supporting staff.

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the surgical site.
• Bleeding or hematoma formation.
• Damage to surrounding tissues or structures.
• Anesthetic-related complications.
• Recurrence of the tumor if not completely excised.

Benefits

• Complete removal of the tumor.
• Relief from symptoms such as pain or discomfort.
• Prevention of potential spread in the case of malignancy.
• Improved quality of life.

Recovery

• Patients can expect to stay in the hospital for a few hours to overnight.
• Post-operative care includes wound care, pain management, and possibly physical therapy.
• Recovery time ranges from a few days to several weeks, depending on the tumor's size and location.
• Follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor healing and ensure no recurrence.

Alternatives

• Observation and regular monitoring for smaller, asymptomatic tumors.
• Radiation therapy, particularly for malignant tumors.
• Chemotherapy, if the tumor is cancerous.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the patient will be under anesthesia and will not feel pain. Post-procedure, the patient may experience mild to moderate pain at the incision site, managed with pain medications. Mobility might be temporarily restricted, and patients will receive instructions to avoid strenuous activities during recovery.