Isolated Limb Perfusion



Isolated Limb Perfusion


Omgo E. Nieweg

Oscar E. Imhof

Bin B.R. Kroon





PATIENT HISTORY AND PHYSICAL FINDINGS



  • After treatment of their primary melanoma, patients are instructed to regularly examine the scar of the excision for local recurrence and to check the skin and subcutaneous tissue around this area up to the regional lymph node basin for visible or palpable satellite and in-transit metastases. The physician who follows the patient inquires about new regional lesions. Patients themselves detect about half of the recurrences, but at an early stage, they can look quite innocuous. The detection of the more subtle ones requires the expertise and suspicious mind of an experienced surgeon.


  • A detailed history should be obtained to assess the general condition of the patient and to be informed about other relevant ailments, allergies, and medication.


  • Physical examination of melanoma patients is aimed at detecting a local recurrence, satellite metastases, in-transit metastases, regional lymph node involvement, and a subsequent primary melanoma. A detailed examination of the skin, the regional subcutaneous tissue, and the regional node field is warranted.






    FIG 1 • Extensive in-transit metastases on the left thigh.


  • The vascular situation of the limb is assessed. The presence of peripheral arterial pulsations needs to be sufficient to allow for ILP.


IMAGING AND OTHER DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES



  • The presence of advanced melanoma in the extremity should be confirmed by biopsy.


  • In addition to the routine preoperative tests, screening for metastases elsewhere is appropriate as their presence may change the treatment plan. Whole body positron emission tomography (PET) or computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain are frequently recommended for this purpose.


  • Arteriography is indicated if the arterial blood supply is questionable. A complete obstruction in the target artery or a major impediment downstream renders perfusion impossible. Extensive arterial calcification per se is not a contraindication.


  • An elevated tumor marker such as the TA90 glycoprotein antigen or the S100 protein provides an opportunity to monitor the course of the disease.


SURGICAL MANAGEMENT



Anatomy



  • For advanced disease of the leg, ILP can be performed at the femoral or iliac level. The arm can be treated at the brachial level or through the axilla.


Preoperative Planning



  • ILP requires cooperation of the surgeon, the perfusionist, and the nuclear medicine worker in addition to the customary operating room team.


  • Melphalan is the standard drug used in current practice. The dosage of the drug is adjusted to the need of the individual patient. The volume of the extremity is an often used parameter to calculate the required melphalan dose. The volume can be determined using a water reservoir (FIG 2). Adjustments to the dosage can be made based on risk factors for regional toxicity like female gender and obesity.






    FIG 2 • Water reservoir for measuring the volume of a limb. On the right is the elevator to bring the patient up to the required height. The elevator handle is on the left.


  • ILP requires sophisticated technology. The surgeon should verify the availability of the required drug(s) and make sure that the necessary equipment and materials are present and in good working order.


  • General anesthesia is required. Epidural anesthesia is to be avoided as it induces vasodilation and predisposes to leakage of blood from the systemic circulation to the perfusion circuit.


  • Preoperative antibiotics are not necessary.