[Avoidance of complications in oncological surgery of the pelvic region : combined oncosurgical and plastic reconstruction measures].

Prevention of perioperative and postoperative complications resulting from surgical oncology in the pelvic region remains a major interdisciplinary challenge. With modern interdisciplinary concepts joining forces of various surgical specialties, tumor resection can be sufficiently carried out with wide margins and the patients benefit from reduced morbidity even in complex situations. As an example chronic fistulation and secretion from the presacral cavity and sinus may result as potential sequelae from intra-abdominal and intrapelvic tumor resection, especially when neoadjuvant multimodal therapies have been applied. This can be prevented by simultaneous transplantation of for example transpelvic vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap transfer, while extensive perineal skin and soft tissue defects may also be simultaneously reconstructed. In cases of malignant soft tissue tumors in the pelvic region a staged surgical procedure can be performed with a period of time between tumor resection and reconstruction. Thus, a histological R0 status can be secured prior to plastic reconstruction surgery in order to increase oncological safety. In cases of postresectional exposition of e. g. pelvic or femoral vessels or intrapelvic and intra-abdominal organs simultaneous flap procedure is mandatory.The reconstructive armamentarium of the plastic surgeon should contain not only pedicled but also free microsurgical flaps so that no compromise in terms of the extent of the oncological resection has to be accepted. At the same time perioperative and postoperative complications may be avoided and the patient quality of life can be preserved even in more complex cases.