Purpose: To elaborate a new classification of surgery of soft tissue sarcoma (STS).
Patients and methods: This was a multicentre study. Purely descriptive terms of surgery of STS have been established. The classification results in a synthesis of surgery terms and conclusion of the pathological report defining the resection (R): R0 = in sano, R1 = microscopic residual disease, R2 = macroscopic residual disease. Validity of the terms has been evaluated by questionnaire, first concerning previous operations, then prospectively during 15 months on the following operations.
Results: One hundred and seventy six operating forms established prospectively by eight centres were analyzed. The majority of surgeons were satisfied with the new items. Most of them judged the terms appropriate to surgery. In 96 cases, confrontation between the surgical terms and pathological items was made. Concordance between them was found in 2/3 of the cases. Discordance was observed essentially in cases of re-excision. In all 96 cases the synthesis was judged reliable, permitting treatment adaptation. The study is ongoing. Following propositions of participants, modifications of the surgery terms are included.
Conclusion: Subject to confirmation of these promising results, the proposed classification should contribute to optimize treatment of STS.