Rehabilitation after total sacrectomy Journal Article

  


Authors: Bauer, K. A.; Ghazinouri, R.
Article Title: Rehabilitation after total sacrectomy
Abstract: Total sacrectomies are surgeries performed to remove high level tumors of the sacrum and its surrounding structures. Early diagnosis of sacral tumors is difficult because of their mild symptoms which usually resemble low back pain or sciatica.' Therefore at the time of diagnosis, the lesions are large and require removal of the entire sacrum to achieve clean margins. Total sacrectomy is a difficult surgery due to the site and size of the tumor and the different pelvic organs involved. Immediately postoperatively, patients need education on bed mobility, transfer training, and therapeutic exercises. Physical and occupational therapists play an important role in improving function and increasing patients' independence with activities of daily living. This paper will review the physical therapy treatment for patients following total sacrectomy. Common complications and functional restrictions following surgery will be discussed. Total sacrectomy is in many cases the only curative treatment for patients with sacral tumors. Goal of rehabilitation is restorative with an emphasis on increasing functional independence while maintaining structural integrity of the surgical site.
Keywords: postoperative care; physical therapy; neoplasms -- surgery; rehabilitation, cancer; surgery, operative -- methods; sacrum -- physiopathology; surgery, operative -- rehabilitation; sacrum -- anatomy and histology
Journal Title: Rehabilitation Oncology
Volume: 23
Issue: 2
ISSN: 2168-3808
Publisher: American Physical Therapy Association  
Date Published: 2005-06-01
Start Page: 9
End Page: 13
Language: English
PROVIDER: EBSCOhost
PROVIDER: cin20
DOI/URL:

http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cin20&AN=2009045315&site=ehost-live
Notes: --- - "Accession Number: 2009045315" - "Entry Date: 20051202" - "Revision Date: 20081107" - "Publication Type: journal article; pictorial; tables/charts" - "Journal Subset: Allied Health; Editorial Board Reviewed; Peer Reviewed; USA" - "Special Interest: Oncologic Care; Physical Therapy" - "Source: cin20"