title: Surgical treatment of primary tumors of the sacrum.
abstract: Fifty-four patients were surgically treated for primary tumors of the sacrum. The ratio of men to women was 2:1, and most patients were from 30-50 years of age. Nearly half the tumors were chordomas, and the others were mostly giant cell tumors and neurofibromas. Proven malignancy was present in less than 10%. The operative and postoperative mortality was 11%, wound infection 11%, delayed wound healing 11%, and the immediate success rate 89%. A follow-up study of 33 cases for more than two years showed that 25 patients were living and well, providing a survival rate of 75.7%. Except for malignant tumors, preservation of upper sacral nerve roots was possible and necessary in the majority of low grade and benign tumors. Ligation of both internal iliac arteries and a temporary block of the common iliac arteries or aorta minimized bleeding. Injury to veins must be carefully avoided. Postoperative X-ray treatment appeared helpful in reducing recurrences, especially in upper sacral tumors where nerve root compression had to be relieved.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D002648:Child; D002817:Chordoma / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005870:Giant Cell Tumors / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D012447:Sacrum / Q000601:surgery*; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*