Pelvic exenteration for recurrent or persistent gynecologic malignancies: A 10-year review of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center experience (1972–1981)

• Published in: Gynecologic oncology Vol. 33; no. 3; pp. 279 - 282
• Main Authors: Lawhead, R.A., Clark, D.G.C., Smith, D.H., Pierce, V.K., Lewis, J.L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: San Diego, CA Elsevier Inc 01.06.1989; Elsevier
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Female; Female genital diseases; Genital Neoplasms, Female - mortality; Genital Neoplasms, Female - surgery; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Hemorrhage - etiology; Humans; Intestinal Fistula - etiology; Medical sciences; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Ovarian Neoplasms - surgery; Pelvic Exenteration - adverse effects; Pelvic Exenteration - mortality; Remission Induction; Retrospective Studies; Tumors; Human; Recurrence; Carcinoma; Indication; Mortality; Pelvis minor; Evisceration; Malignant tumor; Female genital diseases; Surgery; Female genital system; Complication; Tumor; Woman; Negative therapeutic reaction
• ISSN: 0090-8258; 1095-6859
• DOI: 10.1016/0090-8258(89)90512-X

From January 1, 1972 to December 31, 1981, sixty-five patients underwent pelvic exenteration as treatment for recurrent or persistent gynecologic malignancy at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Cervical carcinoma was the disease most commonly treated by exenteration. The operative mortality of 9.2% represents an improvement over previous reports from this institution. After routine use of prophylactic minidose heparin, no cases of thrombophlebitis or pulmonary embolus occurred postoperatively. A 5-year survival rate of 23% warrants continued use of exenteration in carefully selected patients. The significant mortality and morbidity associated with pelvic exenteration preclude its use as a palliative procedure.