SURGICAL INFORMATION FOR:
__________ ________
You are scheduled for a radical resection of a tumor involving your
_______________.
This procedure involves the removal of the tumor mass and the surrounding normal tissue in order to achieve what is known as a clean or negative margin. A clean or negative margin is where there is no sign of tumor cells in the normal tissue area. This is determined by a pathologist performing a frozen section on the surrounding cells during your surgery.
As with any surgical procedure there are risks to your health and life.
Infection - Can occur either immediately following the procedure or days or even weeks later. Infections will be managed with antibiotics as needed. Patients who have undergone chemotherapy, radiation therapy or who smoke may be at greater risk of infection.
Bleeding - Risk of increased bleeding during surgery is extraordinarily low. Typed and cross matched blood is always readily available for transfusion if needed. Depending on your surgery, you may have already provided your own blood for transfusion use.
Nerves - Due to size and location of your tumor, the nerves surrounding that tumor will be affected. Sometimes a motor nerve which determines the movement of the muscles in the extremity is affected. Predominantly, it is the sensory nerves that are affected. You may experience some numbness, tingling, or a "pins and needles" sensation which will all resolve in time.
Fluid or seroma or hematoma - There is usually a space left after a tumor is removed. This space will naturally fill with fluid which eventually resolves in time. Infrequently, the surgeon may have to drain the area.
Anesthesia - You will have a preoperative meeting with the anesthesiology team. At that time you will discuss risks of anesthesia.
Recurrence - There is always a risk of recurrence with any type of cancer. Following your surgery, you will schedule follow up examinations on a regular basis for a number of years (depending upon your tumor). Besides a clinical examination, other tests, i.e. x-rays, MRI scans etc, may be ordered to help determine your health status.
Blood clots - following your surgery you may be placed on a blood thinner or wear a pneumatic foot or leg pump to reduce possibility of developing blood clots or DVTs (deep venous thromboses). Surgery and limited mobility increase the risk of forming clots. These clots can be dangerous if they travel to the lungs. You will be asked to move your feet and toes and tighten your calf muscles post surgically.
Pain - Narcotic pain medication will be provided during the immediate postoperative period. Most surgical pain usually resolves significantly after 3 to 5 days. When you are discharged you will be given a prescription for oral pain medication. If you continue to have mild pain, you may take Tylenol or an anti-inflammatory drug of your choice.
You will be given instructions for postoperative care of your surgical wound.
Should you have additional concerns or questions about your surgery, please discuss them with your doctor or nurse.
Howard G. Rosenthal, MD
Medical Director
Mid-America Sarcoma Institute
5701 W. 119th St., Suite 308
Overland Park, KS 66209
913-498-6840
1-888-LIMB-SAV (546-2728)
913-696-1434 (fax)
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