Pelvic Exenteration and Ilioinguinal Lymph Node Dissection

Abstract

Performance of exenterative pelvic surgery and groin dissections requires advanced knowledge of anatomy. For both operations, a specific operative setting and certain patient-preparation protocols are necessary. A thorough surgical exploration is mandatory before a final decision can be made to proceed with exenteration. Important technical elements of the operation are the lateral pelvic and perineal dissections. The technique for the ilioinguinal lymph node procedure incorporates dissection of superficial and deep inguinal nodes, as well as an iliac and obturator node dissection.