title: [Hemipelvectomy, constant surgical dilema].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In this report we present our experience in "post war" environment in our institution. Any king of pelvic surgery is challenging and impacts significantly on limb and visceral function. Any surgeon has to ask a question "is heroic surgery justifiable". We aim to asses functional, oncologic and surgical outcomes following pelvis tumor resections.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 1998-2005, 7 patients (mean age 48.2 years) underwent pelvic tumor resections. All of them were primary malignant tumors. We did not identify secondary tumors and benign tumors in our series. Bone tumors were 3 osteosarcomas and 4 chondrosarcomas. Tumors involved the ilium, acetabulum, pubic bones, sacrum or a combination of these. No patient had metastases at presentation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All 7 patients underwent hindquarter amputations. Surgical margins were marginal (4), wide (2), and radical (1). There was 1 intraoperative death, 2 local recurrences and 2 metastases. Death from disease occurred at a mean of 12.4 months with mean follow-up of 24 (1-72) months. Emotional acceptance was surprisingly high. Pelvic resections are complex. Functional outcome is significantly affected by surgery. Disease control is similar to limb tumors. Emotional acceptance of surgery in survivors was surprisingly high.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Major pelvic resection for malignancy appears justified.
authors.affiliation: University Clinical Center Sarajevo, Clinic for orthopedics and traumatology, Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Gavrankapetanovic
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gavrankapetanovic
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Becirbegovic
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tanovic
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Visnia
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Jaganjac
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kuba
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D002813:Chondrosarcoma / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006428:Hemipelvectomy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012516:Osteosarcoma / Q000601:surgery*; D010384:Pelvic Bones