Resection of chondrosarcoma of the pubic bone.

Abstract

The incision often described in resection of the pubic bone is one that essentially traces the outline of this bone from the pubic tubercle along the superior pubic ramus, the pubic symphysis, and then the inferior pubic ramus all the way to the ischial tuberosity. This incision is satisfactory for sub-periosteal resection of the pubic bone, but it is not suitable for malignant tumors of the pubic bone extending into the adjacent soft tissues and adductor muscles. The technique of the abdominoinguinal incision is described. This involves an extraperitoneal exposure of the superior aspect of the pubic bone and exposure of the iliofemoral vessels and the adductor muscles to the extent needed to completely resect the pubic bone en bloc with the adjacent adductor muscles and other soft tissues. Repair of the resulting defect is simple, usually achieved with mesh, providing muscle coverage of the external iliac and femoral vessels to avoid direct contact between the mesh and the vessels.