-
Specialization:
Sarcoma & Tumor Reconstruction
-
Consultant:
Dr. Dipmalya Chatterjee
-
Focus Areas:
Limb Salvage & Complex Defects
-
Certifications:
Board Certified Reconstructive Surgeon
Specialized Reconstruction Following Bone & Soft Tissue Tumor Removal
Sarcoma and soft tissue reconstruction represents a highly specialized field focused on restoring form and function following extensive resection of malignant bone and soft tissue tumors. This complex discipline requires close collaboration with orthopedic oncologists, surgical oncologists, and radiation oncologists to achieve both oncologic cure and meaningful functional restoration. Our approach emphasizes limb preservation whenever possible, utilizing advanced microsurgical techniques to reconstruct massive defects while maintaining oncologic principles of wide surgical margins.
Sarcoma Reconstruction Techniques
Vascularized Bone Grafting
Microsurgical transfer of vascularized bone (fibula, iliac crest) to reconstruct segmental bone defects after sarcoma resection.
Free Flap Soft Tissue Coverage
Transfer of vascularized muscle, fasciocutaneous, or perforator flaps to provide durable coverage for exposed bone, nerves, and vessels.
Limb Salvage Surgery
Combined tumor resection and immediate reconstruction to preserve limb function while achieving oncologic clearance.
Composite Tissue Reconstruction
Simultaneous reconstruction of bone and soft tissue defects using chimeric or combined free flaps for complex three-dimensional defects.
Trunk & Chest Wall Reconstruction
Reconstruction of chest, abdominal, and pelvic wall defects following sarcoma resection with mesh, flaps, and rigid fixation.
Nerve Reconstruction
Nerve grafting and transfers to restore motor and sensory function when nerves are sacrificed during tumor resection.
The Multidisciplinary Sarcoma Team Approach
Sarcoma reconstruction begins with comprehensive tumor board evaluation, where surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists collaborate to develop an integrated treatment plan. Preoperative planning involves advanced imaging (MRI, CT, PET scans), consideration of neoadjuvant therapies, and meticulous surgical planning to achieve wide margins while preserving critical structures. Intraoperative collaboration between the tumor resection team and reconstructive team ensures seamless transition from oncologic resection to functional reconstruction.
Our Collaborative Model
Integrated care with orthopedic and surgical oncology teams ensures optimal oncologic and functional outcomes.
- Weekly sarcoma tumor board
- Coordinated resection-reconstruction planning
- Intraoperative collaboration
- Postoperative oncology integration
Recovery & Adjuvant Therapy Integration
Postoperative management balances reconstructive healing with timely initiation of adjuvant therapies when indicated. We coordinate closely with medical and radiation oncologists to optimize timing of chemotherapy and radiation around surgical recovery. Rehabilitation is tailored to each patient's specific reconstruction, with emphasis on restoring function while protecting healing tissues. Long-term follow-up includes surveillance for recurrence, management of late effects of radiation, and secondary procedures to optimize functional outcomes as needed.