Functional morbidity after regional isolated perfusion of the limb for melanoma.
A series of 57 patients still in follow-up after regional isolated perfusion (RIP) of Stage I-II high-risk melanoma is described. Functional morbidity of the perfused limb was investigated. Median interval after RIP was 5 years. With no regard to recurrent disease subjectively only one patient had severe complaints of the perfused limb. Objective investigation showed no edema or atrophy in 80% of the upper limbs and in 64% of the lower limbs. Concerning the mobility of the joints in the upper limb we found in four cases a disturbed function in several movements. More restriction were observed in the lower leg. Especially the ankle showed severe functional restrictions in more than 25%.
van Geel
A N
AN
Department of Surgical Oncology, Dr. Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
van Wijk
J
J
Wieberdink
J
J
D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D010478:Chemotherapy, Cancer, Regional Perfusion / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005121:Extremities / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000628:therapy*; D009068:Movement; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology