ABSTRACT
Total Pelvic Exenteration (TPE) is an important surgical technique in the management of advanced pelvic malignancies. Since the first report of pelvic exenteration by Bruschwig1 in 1948, the majority of exenterations have been performed for gynecologic malignancies. However, exenteration may also be appropriate therapy for advanced prostate, bladder and rectosigmoid carcinomas and pelvic sarcomas. Pelvic exenterations may be required in the surgical management of complications from radiation therapy including rectovesical fistulas and persistent bleeding from radiation proctitis, as well as in the salvage setting following incomplete tumor resection or locally recurrent disease. Exenteration offers a solution for patients who require palliation from urinary or bowel obstruction from bulky pelvic masses and palliation from pelvic pain. Exenteration may also offer a chance for long-term survival in patients with extensive disease.
