Clinical Case 004

A patient 2 years after adjuvant radiotherapy for a sarcoma of the posterolateral thigh with a close margin. A dose of 60Gy was applied. Following radiotherapy there was a dehiscence of the surgical scar.

1. Describe the findings in the clinical picture.
2. Discuss the aetiology of the surgical dehiscence after high dose radiotherapy.
3. Detail your management approach to ensure healing of the area.
4. Discuss the role of vitamin E, thalidomide and pentoxifylline (or oxpentifylline, if you like) in the healing of radiotherapy late side effects.