title: Pelvic reconstruction after abdominoperineal resection: a pilot study using an absorbable synthetic prosthesis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Abdominoperineal resection (APR) is not free of complications, in particular complications due to the occupation of the pelvis by the small bowel after surgery. A number of surgical techniques have been described to prevent the small bowel from entering and adhering to the pelvis (pelvic partition), but there is no agreement concerning their use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness and safety of using an absorbable synthetic prosthetic material for pelvic partitioning after APR.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective non-randomised longitudinal pilot study was carried out on a series of 10 patients who underwent APR due to lower-third rectal cancer, in order to evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of pelvic partitioning with an absorbable synthetic prosthetic material.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In all the patients, it was possible to perform a radical resection and to install the prosthesis. After a mean follow-up of 9 months (range: 4-18 months), no abdominal or perineal complications were detected. One patient (10%) suffered chronic pelvic pain.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pelvic partition after APR of the rectum with an absorbable synthetic prosthesis is feasible, effective and safe.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, La Mancha Centro General Hospital, Avenida de la Constitución, s/n, 13600 Alcazar de San Juan, Ciudad Real, Spain. cmsurgery@hotmail.com
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Moreno-Sanz
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Manzanera-Díaz
authors.forename: F J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Cortina-Oliva
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: de Pedro-Conal
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Clerveus
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Picazo-Yeste
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery*; D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000601:surgery*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome