Radical lateral body-wall resection for fibrosarcoma with reconstruction using polypropylene mesh and a caudal superficial epigastric axial pattern flap: a prospective clinical study of the technique and results in 6 cats.
OBJECTIVE
To describe and evaluate a technique for radical resection of the lateral body wall for treatment of fibrosarcoma with reconstruction using polypropylene mesh and a caudal superficial epigastric axial pattern flap in cats.


METHODS
Prospective, clinical study.


METHODS
Six client-owned cats with fibrosarcoma.


METHODS
Six cats with histologically confirmed fibrosarcoma of the lateral body wall were staged using radiography and/or computer tomography scanning. Preoperative radiotherapy was used in 3 cats. All cats had the lateral abdominal wall resected and reconstructed with polypropylene mesh. A caudal superficial epigastric flap was mobilized and rotated to close the skin deficit. The animals were evaluated after surgery for wound complications, tumor recurrence, and metastasis. Outcome was assessed by patient examination and client consultation.


RESULTS
Minor dehiscence of the skin flaps occurred in 2 cats, and 1 other cat was successfully resuscitated from respiratory and cardiac arrest after surgery. All tissue specimens were tumor-free at the surgical margins. Follow-up times ranged from 12 to 21 months, with a mean time of 17.2 months. None of the cats had evidence of local tumor recurrence or metastasis; outcome was judged good to excellent in all cats.


CONCLUSIONS
Radical lateral body-wall resection and reconstruction is an effective technique for achieving local tumor control with acceptable patient morbidity. Further studies are needed to assess whether the technique will result in improved tumor-free intervals and survival times.
Lidbetter
David A
DA
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37901-1071, USA..
Williams
Fred A
FA
Krahwinkel
D J
DJ
Adams
William H
WH
D000005:Abdomen; D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D002415:Cats; D005260:Female; D005354:Fibrosarcoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D019042:Muscle Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D011126:Polypropylenes; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D013522:Surgery, Veterinary / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000662:veterinary*; D013537:Sutures; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing
D011126:Polypropylenes