A Contemporary Review of Surgical Approaches in Pelvic Exenterative Surgery

Pelvic exenteration (extended pelvic multi-visceral resection) is a radical procedure that offers potential long-term cure in appropriately selected cases of locally advanced and recurrent pelvic cancers. It was first described by Alexander Brunschwig in 1948 as a viable palliative option for advanced gynaecological cancer. However, over the last 70 years, changes in surgical oncology practices have seen its role extended to include other advanced non-gynaecological cancers (locally advanced colorectal, urological, and sarcomatous neoplasms).

Although these procedures pose a significant challenge for the operating surgeon, improved surgical techniques, technology, and reconstructive options have facilitated more radical resections. Despite improved surgical options, patients still have considerable post-operative morbidity and negative impact to quality of life. However, non-surgical management options result in poor prognosis with only 3% survival at five-years. Pelvic exenteration in appropriately-selected patients offers the only hope of long-term survival.

Over the last few decades with improved perioperative management and better surgical techniques, more aggressive visceral, soft tissue and bony resections are performed. The development of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) platforms has also evolved substantially, especially regarding pelvic surgery. There are some recent sporadic (low-volume) reports highlighting the potential role for MIS exenterative surgery, however many reports have been heterogeneous and single-centre. The aim of this retrospective review is to compare the volume, disease characteristics and surgical outcomes between open, laparoscopic and robotic pelvic exenterations, and to assess the initial experience of MIS platforms in multiple specialist centres worldwide.