Pelvic exenteration for gynecologic malignancies: Postoperative complications and oncologic outcomes

Abstract

Introduction and objectiveTo evaluate complications, morbidity and oncologic outcomes of pelvic exenteration as treatment for gynecologic malignancies. Materials and methodsBetween 2008 and 2015, a total of 35 patients underwent pelvic exenteration, due to recurrence of gynecological cancer. Surgical outcomes, early and late postoperative complications, and recurrence/survival outcomes were assessed. ResultsMean patient age was 53.8 years. Anterior exenteration was done in 20 patients, while 15 were total exenterations. Ileal conduit was done in 24 patients, while 8 received a neobladder and 3 a cutaneous ureterostomy. Postoperative complications were divided in 2 groups, early (<30 days) and late complications (>30 days). A total of 25 patients (71.4%) had one or more early complications; 16 (45.7%) had fever due to a urinary tract infection, pyelonephritis or intra-abdominal collection; 2 (5.7%) developed a vesicovaginal fistula; 4 (11.4%) a rectovaginal fistula; 3 (8.5%) acute kidney failure and one (2.85%) uronephrosis. Regarding to late complications, 8 patients (22.8%) had fever. Six (17%) presented with uronephrosis, and 5 (14.2%) with ureteral-pouch stricture. Five patients (14.2%) had acute renal insufficiency, 3 (8,6%) rectovaginal fistula and one (2.85%) urinary fistula. Mean follow up time was 20.3 month (2–60). A total of 22 patients (62.8%) were free of disease. Another 13 (37.1%) patients relapsed. Only 4 (11.4%) patients died after pelvic exenteration due to underlying disease. ConclusionPelvic exenteration has a high rate of complications and morbidity, but can be the last curative opportunity in patients with recurrent or persistent gynecologic malignancies.This procedure should be performed by multidisciplinary, experienced teams in a tertiary medical center.