Surgical complications and survival after pelvic exenteration: Our experience following 60 procedures

Abstract

Purpose of Investigation: Analyse the results of pelvic exenteration for pelvic malignancies in a tertiary referral center. Materials and methods: Between 2011 and 2018, 60 patients underwent a pelvic exenteration. The indications were cervical (44 patients), vaginal (4), recurrent ovarian (6), endometrial (2), vulval (2), recurrent sigmoid colon (1), and bladder cancer (1). Results: Out of the 60 exenterations, 31 were total, 21 anterior, and 8 posterior. A Bricker non-continent ileal or sigmoid urinary conduit was performed in 51 out of 52 anterior and total exenterations. Early complications occurred in 34 patients of whom four perioperative deaths (6.6 %). Among the 60 patients, at this moment, 33 are alive, 25 are dead, and two are lost to follow-up. Conclusion: Pelvic exenteration for recurrent or advanced pelvic malignancies can be associated with long-term survival and even cure without high perioperative mortality in properly selected patients. However, postoperative complications can be lethal.