Pelvic Exenteration is a radical surgical procedure involving the removal of most or all of the pelvic organs, including the bladder, rectum, uterus, and sometimes the ovaries or prostate. This surgery is typically performed for advanced pelvic cancers, such as those of the cervix, rectum, or bladder.
The procedure is highly complex and often involves the reconstruction of the urinary and digestive systems to maintain proper function after organ removal. A colostomy or ileostomy is often necessary to reroute waste.
Postoperative care involves intensive monitoring for complications, managing pain, and providing nutritional and psychological support. Patients will also require follow-up treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, depending on the type and stage of cancer.
Pelvic exenteration offers the best chance for survival in patients with locally advanced pelvic cancers, providing life-saving results when combined with adjuvant therapies.