Functional outcomes and quality of life after tumor-related hemipelvectomy.
OBJECTIVE
Hemipelvectomy is a life-changing treatment for pelvic malignancies. This study compared functional outcomes and quality of life of patients following internal or external hemipelvectomies.


METHODS
Ninety-seven patients who underwent tumor-related internal (n=39) or external (n=58) hemipelvectomy surgery between January 1, 1988, and December 31, 2004, participated in the study.


METHODS
Using a descriptive retrospective cohort study design, functional status was evaluated with the Barthel Index at 3 time points. Quality-of-life parameters were evaluated at follow-up using the Linear Analog Self-Assessment tool (LASA).


RESULTS
Data were collected on all 97 patients at rehabilitation consultation and hospital discharge. Follow-up data were obtained via survey on 44% of the original group at a median of 5.8 years (interquartile range [IRQ]=1.7-10.4) after surgery. Median total Barthel Index scores were similar between the internal and external hemipelvectomy groups at the initial physical medicine and rehabilitation assessment (10 [IQR=10-15] versus 10 [IQR=3.75-15]), at discharge (40 [IQR=30-65] versus 50 [IQR=35-66.25]), and at follow-up (92.5 [IQR=76.25-100] versus 92.5 [IQR=78.75-96.25]). Participants with external hemipelvectomies were less independent in bladder function and experienced greater pain severity at follow-up compared with those with internal hemipelvectomies. Overall quality-of-life parameters were similar between the groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite significant differences in surgical procedures, immediate and long-term functional outcomes and quality-of-life parameters were similar among participants with internal and external hemipelvectomies.
Beck
Lisa A
LA
College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Einertson
Marlene J
MJ
Winemiller
Mark H
MH
DePompolo
Robert W
RW
Hoppe
Kurtis M
KM
Sim
Franklin F
FF
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006428:Hemipelvectomy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010384:Pelvic Bones / Q000601:surgery*; D011788:Quality of Life; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000601:surgery*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric