Pelvic Exenteration as Potential Cure and Symptom Relief in Advanced and Recurrent Gynaecological Cancer

Abstract

Background/aim: Pelvic exenteration is a radical procedure for certain advanced or recurrent gynaecological cancers, performed with curative or palliative intent. Its validity has evolved as operative mortality and morbidity have improved. This surgery was evaluated to determine the validity of these claims.

Patients and methods: The details of surgery and outcomes of 13 patients who underwent pelvic exenteration (6 curative intent, 7 palliative intent) for advanced or recurrent gynaecological cancers in our Department were retrospectively evaluated.

Results: There were no significant differences in blood loss, surgical time, hospital stay, and complications between curative pelvic exenteration and palliative pelvic exenteration. The curative intent group had a good prognosis; the palliative-intent group showed a trend to a worse prognosis. All patients' symptoms were relieved, but in patients with short survival, symptom relief lasted for up to 3 months.

Conclusion: Pelvic exenteration is an acceptable and valuable procedure for gynaecological cancers.

Keywords: Pelvic exenteration; complication; curative; palliative; survival time.