Vascular complications following cancer surgery of the pelvis and groin

Abstract

Ten vascular complications associated with radical cancer surgery of the pelvis and groin in 9 patients are reported. Case analyses and illustrative vascular studies are presented to stress early recognition and treatment which lead to a satisfactory outcome. Seven complications were venous in origin; 3 were arterial. Obvious vessel injury at the primary operation occurred in only 2 instances. In 5 cases, immediate thrombectomy, thromboendarterectomy, or bypass grafting resulted in relief of symptoms. Three instances of venous thrombosis were treated conservatively; 2 made a satisfactory recovery, but one died of pulmonary embolism 4 days after direct vein wall injury at operation. In another case, direct lysis of cicatrix around a narrowed femoral vein resulted in partial resolution of lower leg edema 2 1/2 years after total pelvic exenteration. Copyright © 1970 American Cancer Society