Sarcoma Size and Limb Dimensions Predict Complications, Recurrence, and Death in Patients with Soft Tissue Sarcoma in the Thigh: A Multidimensional Analysis

Rami Elmorsi, Luis Camacho, David D. Krijgh, Gordon S. Tilney, Heather Lyu, Raymond S. Traweek, Russell G. Witt, Margaret S. Roubaud, Christina L. Roland, Alexander F. Mericli*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background: Limb-sparing resections of thigh soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) can result in adverse outcomes. Identifying preoperative predictors for wound healing complications, tumor recurrence, and mortality is crucial for informed reconstructive decision-making. We hypothesized that preoperative measurements of thigh and tumor dimensions could serve as reliable indicators for postoperative complications, recurrence, and death. Patients and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study conducted from March 2016 to December 2021, we analyzed patients undergoing thigh STS excisions followed by reconstruction. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography scans provided necessary thigh and tumor dimensions. Univariate and multivariate regression assessed relationships between these dimensions and postoperative outcomes, including complications, recurrence, and death. Results: Upon the analysis of 123 thighs, we found thigh width to be highly predictive of postoperative complications, even surpassing body mass index (BMI) and retaining significance in multivariate regression [odds ratio (OR) 1.19; 95% CI 1.03–1.39; p = 0.03]. Sarcoma-to-thigh width and thickness ratios predicted STS recurrence, with the thickness ratio retaining significance in multivariate regression (OR 1.03; 95% CI 1.001–1.05; p = 0.041). Notably, greater thigh thickness was independently protective against mortality in multivariate analysis (OR 0.80; 95% CI 0.65–0.98; p = 0.030). Conclusions: Thigh width outperformed BMI in association with postoperative complications. This may create an opportunity for intervention, where weight loss can play a role during the neoadjuvant therapy period to potentially reduce complications. Sarcoma-to-thigh width and thickness ratios, particularly the latter, hold substantial predictive value in terms of STS recurrence. Moreover, thigh thickness is an independent predictor of survival.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5421-5430
Number of pages10
JournalAnnals of surgical oncology
Volume31
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2024

Keywords

  • Dimensions
  • Free flap
  • Outcomes
  • Plastic surgery
  • Soft tissue sarcoma
  • Surgical flaps
  • Surgical oncology
  • Wound healing

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