Total pelvic exenteration. A 50-year experience at the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center.
OBJECTIVE
To review a 50-year experience with total pelvic exenteration for treatment of advanced pelvic cancer.


METHODS
Retrospective study with 100% follow-up.


METHODS
Cancer hospital.


METHODS
Two hundred thirty-two patients referred for treatment of advanced pelvic cancer who underwent total pelvic exenteration.


METHODS
Rates of operative mortality, complications, recurrence, and 5-year survival.


RESULTS
The morbidity rate was 45%. The operative death rate was 14% during the 50-year period, but decreased from 16.8% in the first three decades to 10% thereafter. Eighty-nine patients (38%) had recurrences. The overall 5-year survival rate was 42%.


CONCLUSIONS
Operative mortality and morbidity have declined over 50 years, largely because of proper patient selection, increasing experience, and advances in perioperative care. Exenteration has a major role in the treatment of advanced pelvic cancer.
Lopez
M J
MJ
Department of Surgery, St Elizabeth's Medical Center of Boston, Tufts University School of Medicine, Mass.
Standiford
S B
SB
Skibba
J L
JL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002173:Cancer Care Facilities; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008923:Missouri / Q000453:epidemiology; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000453:epidemiology; D010385:Pelvic Exenteration / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000401:mortality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010386:Pelvic Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate