Chondrosarcoma and hemipelvectomy

Unlike osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma chondrosarcomas are primarily surgically managed as they are resistant to chemo- and radio-therapy. A female patient, aged 36 years, was operated in 1992 for pelvic chondroma; a year later she was reoperated due to local recurrence, and diagnosis of chondrosarcoma was established. Because of tumour regrowth she was referred to our institution for hemipelvectomy. The operative team consisted of and orthopaedic surgeon, an urologist, and a general surgeon. A (large) tumour was completely removed. The patient's recovery was rapid, and she is now able of controlling urination and defecation. This kind of operation is extensive and traumatic, but it is useful in appropriately selected cases.