Hemipelvectomy in Cats

There are several approaches to hemipelvectomy. The procedure used will depend on the location of the tumor or condition. The general procedure steps for total hemipelvectomy are outlined below.

1. Before surgery, the surgeon will conduct blood work to ensure it is safe for the cat to undergo anesthesia.
2. Because the risk of hemorrhage is high, the surgeon may or may not choose to acquire blood from a veterinary blood bank or similar facility in case a blood transfusion is required.
3. The cat will be anesthetized. Analgesics will be administered intravenously.
4. The operative area will be shaved, cleaned, and draped.
5. A urinary catheter will be placed. A purse string suture will be used to suture the rectum so that bowel contents are not emptied during surgery.
6. The surgeon will then make the initial skin incision.
7. The muscles surrounding the pelvis will be separated along their natural seams. A saline solution will be administered to ensure the muscles retain moisture. 
8. Major arteries and veins may be ligated to prevent hemorrhage.
9. The abdominal muscles are cut and separated from the pubis, exposing the external iliac artery and vein. These are isolated and double ligated.
10. The iliopsoas muscles are then isolated and separated from the pelvis.
11. The sacrum is then exposed and the ilium elevated so it can be cut with an oscillating saw.
12. The pubic symphysis is cut and elevated. Remaining muscle attachments will be incised.
13. The nerves will then be separated from the pelvis and limb.
14. The surgeon will inject the nerve sheath with a local anesthetic.
15. The surgical site is then flushed with a saline solution.
16. Metal hemoclips may be placed for patients requiring radiation treatment.
17. The muscles are replaced prior to site closure.
18. The cat will then be hospitalized from three to ten days.