Operative laparoscopy prior to a pelvic exenteration in patients with recurrent cervical cancer

Laparoscopic assessment improves case selection for exenterative surgery in recurrent cervical and endometrial cancer

The objective of this study is to evaluate the role of laparoscopy in the case selection of patients for pelvic exenteration to treat recurrent cervical or endometrial cancer. Pelvic exenteration is a rare surgical procedure performed by specialised multidisciplinary surgical teams. We performed a review of 55 consecutive laparoscopies for patients being evaluated for possible exenterative surgery for recurrent cervical or endometrial cancer at a single centre in the UK with a significant exenterative surgical practice. All patients had no evidence of metastatic disease on imaging prior to the laparoscopy. Despite thorough radiological assessment laparoscopy detected peritoneal, nodal or extrapelvic metastases in 20.8% of cases. 5.6% of the patients who underwent exenterative surgery were found to have unresectable pelvic disease intraoperatively. In these cases, the extent of disease was not determined radiologically or during the initial exploratory laparotomy. In our view, laparoscopic assessment is an essential component of the pre-operative work up of patients with recurrent cervical or endometrial cancer being considered for exenterative surgery.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Pelvic exenteration is potentially curative in cases of recurrent pelvic malignancy. Case selection is essential to determine those patients without metastases and with resectable pelvic disease - this will improve patient outcomes, avoid the unnecessary morbidity of major surgery, as well as the psychological consequences of abandoned procedures. The only two previous studies, published in 1998 (Plante and Roy 1998) and 2002 (Köhler et al. 2002) have shown laparoscopic assessment to be safe and improve case selection.What do the results of this study add? This study provides evidence that in the context of modern imaging modalities, including PET-CT scans, laparoscopic assessment continues to improve case selection for exenterative surgery.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study provides further evidence of the benefit of laparoscopy in the assessment of patients being considered for exenterative surgery for recurrent pelvic cancer. Routine laparoscopy improves case selection and will enhance patient experiences and outcomes.

[Curative pelvic exenteration for recurrent cervical carcinoma in the era of concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy. A systematic review]

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this review is to assess the preoperative management in case of recurrent cervical cancer, to assess patients for a surgical curative treatment.

METHODS

English publications were searched using PubMed and Cochrane Library.

RESULTS

In the purpose of curative surgery, pelvic exenteration required clear margins. Today, only half of pelvic exenteration procedures showed postoperative clear margins. Modern imaging (RMI and Pet-CT) does not allow defining local extension of microcopic disease, and thus postoperative clear margins. Despite the same generic term of pelvic exenteration, there is a wide heterogeneity in surgical procedures in published cohorts.

CONCLUSION

Because clear margins are required for curative pelvic exenteration, but are not predictable by preoperative assessment. The larger surgery, i.e. the infra-elevator exenteration with vulvectomy, could be the logical surgical choice to increase the rate of clear margins and therefore, recurrent cervical carcinoma patient survival.

Treatment options in recurrent cervical cancer (Review)

The management of recurrent cervical cancer depends mainly on previous treatment and on the site and extent of recurrence. Concurrent cisplatin-based chemo-radiation is the treatment of choice for patients with pelvic failure after radical hysterectomy alone. However, the safe delivery of high doses of radiotherapy is much more difficult in this clinical setting compared with primary radiotherapy. Pelvic exenteration usually represents the only therapeutic approach with curative intent for women with central pelvic relapse who have previously received irradiation. In a recent series, the 5-year overall survival and operative mortality after pelvic exenteration ranged from 21 to 61% and from 1 to 10%, respectively. Free surgical margins, negative lymph nodes, small tumour size and long disease-free interval were associated with a more favourable prognosis. Currently, pelvic reconstructive procedures (continent urinary conduit, low colorectal anastomosis, vaginal reconstruction with myocutaneous flaps) are strongly recommended after exenteration. Concurrent cisplatin-based chemo-radiation is the treatment of choice for isolated para-aortic lymph node failure, with satisfactory chances of a cure in asymptomatic patients. Chemotherapy is administered with palliative intent to women with distant or loco-regional recurrences not amenable by surgery or radiotherapy. Cisplatin is the most widely used drug, with a response rate of 17-38% and a median overall survival of 6.1-7.1 months. Cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy achieves higher response rates (22-68%) when compared with single-agent cisplatin, but median overall survival is usually less than one year. In a recent Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) trial the combination topotecan + cisplatin obtained a significantly longer overall survival than single-agent cisplatin in patients with metastatic or recurrent or persistent cervical cancer. A subsequent GOG study showed a trend in terms of longer overall survival and better quality of life for the doublet cisplatin + paclitaxel vs. the doublets cisplatin + topotecan, cisplatin + vinorelbine, and cisplatin + gemcitabine. Molecularly targeted therapy may represent a novel therapeutic tool, but its use alone or in combination with chemotherapy is still investigational.

Current developments for pelvic exenteration in gynecologic oncology

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The present review aims to update new techniques of pelvic exenteration including minimal invasive surgery, and discuss other aspects of this radical surgery, including worldwide differences.

RECENT FINDINGS

Major advances are made since the first description of pelvic exenteration and the operation is still under evolution. Explorative laparoscopy prior to exenteration is a valuable alternative to laparotomy to elect candidates for pelvic exenteration. There are considerable differences with respect to indications, contraindications, preoperative staging and adjuvant therapy after exenteration in different countries. Advances in laparoscopic instruments also led to the laparoscopic exenteration. The main limiting step of the operation is urinary diversion. New techniques of laparoscopic-assisted and robotic-assisted techniques of urinary diversion have been reported that decrease the operation time. Vascularized muscle flaps are preferred by many surgeons to fill the empty pelvis and provide an acceptable vaginal reconstruction. J-pouch seems to be a safer technique than end-to-end coloanal anastomosis for bowel reconstruction. Developments in the bioengineering tissue for pelvic reconstruction are required.

SUMMARY

Laparoscopy has the advantages of decreased blood loss, improved convalescence, lower incidence of wound infection and incisional hernia, short recovery periods, rapid return of bowel function, better pain control and improved cosmetics compared with laparotomy for pelvic exenteration. Magnification and improved visualization permits en-bloc dissection of tumor and good anastomosis technique. New techniques of urinary diversion, orthotopic neobladder and coloanal are promising.

Advances in Surgical Treatment of Cervical Cancer

Radical hysterectomy has been the standard surgical treatment for cervical cancer, achieving a good survival outcome. However, it is a major operation that has considerable potential long-term morbidity. With good prognosis achieved in most early cervical cancers, there is a trend towards more emphasis on maintaining good quality of life post-treatment. Many women diagnosed with cervical cancer are young, and fertility-sparing surgery such as trachelectomy would preserve their reproductive potential. Minimally invasive surgery, such as laparoscopic radical hysterectomy, can potentially improve post-operative recovery and cosmetic results while maintaining oncological safety. Sentinel lymph nodes assessment can minimize unnecessary systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy. Radicality of the hysterectomy may also be reduced in selected individuals with good prognostic factors, thus minimizing long-term pelvic floor dysfunction. This review aims to give a broad overview of the current status of these new trends in surgical management for cervical cancer.

Predictors for long-term survival after interdisciplinary salvage surgery for advanced or recurrent gynecologic cancers

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

We wanted to identify factors which allow predicting long-term survival after pelvic exenteration (PE) for locally advanced or recurrent gynecologic malignancies.

METHODS

All patients undergoing PE at our institution from 1983 to 2002 were screened. In 203 cases data were obtainable and analyzed with respect to factors predicting outcome considering morbidity, mortality, and survival. Follow-up data and data concerning late complications not documented in our records were obtained by telephone interviews.

RESULTS

Mean age was 55 (22-77) years. PE was performed for locally advanced (36%) or recurrent (64%) cervical (n = 133), endometrial (n = 26), vaginal (n = 23), vulvar (n = 10), and ovarian cancer (n = 11, cases with rectum and/or bladder resections). In 13.4% (n = 26) the intent of the procedure was palliation in the remaining cure. Procedures performed were anterior (n = 91), posterior (45), or total (n = 67) PE. 53% of patients underwent preoperative radio-chemotherapy, 11.8% as a neoadjuvant treatment. Mean OR time was 8.1 hr, an average of 5.6 units of packed red blood cells were perioperatively transfused. Microscopically complete resection was achievable in n = 69 patients. Perioperative mortality was 1% (n = 2). Seventy-one percent (n = 144) of patients were available for follow-up. Five-year overall survival in patients treated with a curative intent was 21%, 5-year survival in those patients with complete resection was 32%. Forty-two percent of patients with a complete resection without lymph node involvement, age 30-50, curative intention, and the absence of a pelvic sidewall infiltration survived 5 years or longer.

CONCLUSION

In our series a 5-year survival rate of over 40% could be achieved for nodal-negative patients without pelvic sidewall infiltration when treated with curative intent and after complete resection.

[Laparoscopy-assisted vaginal pelvic exenteration]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility, morbidity and survival outcome of laparoscopy-assisted vaginal pelvic exenteration.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Since 2000, 7 en-bloc pelvic exenteration combining a vaginal or perineal approach and laparoscopic approach have been performed in our cancer center associated with complex laparoscopic reconstruction. All patients but one received previous irradiation. Two patients underwent a total pelvic exenteration; three patients an anterior and middle exenteration; two patients a middle and posterior exenteration. Urinary system was reconstructed with an ileal loop in one case, with a hand-assisted laparoscopic Miami pouch in four cases. Reconstruction of the vagina was performed with an omental cylinder in three cases, with a gluteal thigh flap in one case. A colorectal anastomosis was performed in three patients, one patient had an end colostomy. A mini-laparotomy conversion was necessary in one case because of a pelvic side involvement to perform an intraoperative irradiation.

RESULTS

Mean time of the procedure was 6.5 hours with peroperative bleeding less than 500 cm3. Four patients presented minor complications. No revision of the Miami pouch was necessary. Mean length of hospital stay was 27 days. The four patients with a Miami pouch were able to self catheterize at the time of discharge. Mean follow-up was 14 months. Four patients died of the disease (three were metastatic). One patient presented a local recurrence. Two patients are free of disease.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic or laparoscopy-assisted vaginal pelvic exenteration followed by reconstruction is feasible with curative intent in selected patients.

Role of minimally invasive surgery in gynecologic cancers

The role of minimally invasive surgery in the management of gynecologic cancers continues to expand. Radical vaginal trachelectomy with laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy has emerged as a safe, reasonable option for women with early-stage cervical cancer desiring fertility preservation. Similarly, laparoscopically assisted radical vaginal hysterectomy has been systematically described, is feasible, and can be offered to women with early-stage cervical cancer who do not desire future childbearing. In the treatment of early-stage endometrial cancer, the surgical approach of laparoscopic hysterectomy, peritoneal washings, and pelvic and para-aortic lymph node dissection, with or without an omentectomy, is being compared with the same surgery performed via laparotomy in the cooperative Gynecologic Oncology Group LAP 2 study, which has completed accrual, and appears to be a reasonable surgical option. In ovarian cancer, minimally invasive surgery has been incorporated to manage early-stage, advanced-stage, and recurrent disease, as well as second-look procedures. Hand-assisted laparoscopy has also recently been described in managing larger volume primary and recurrent gynecologic cancers. Extraperitoneal laparoscopy for para-aortic and pelvic lymph node dissections has been shown to yield adequate nodal counts and to be safe and feasible in the management of gynecologic cancers.

Pelvic exenteration for gynaecological tumours: achievements and unanswered questions

Pelvic exenteration has been used for 60 years to treat cancers of the lower and middle female genital tract in radiated pelves. The mainstay for treatment success in terms of locoregional control and long-term survival is resection of the pelvic tumour with clear margins (R0). New ablative techniques based on developmentally derived surgical anatomy and laterally extended endopelvic resection have raised the number of R0 resections done, even for tumours that extend to the pelvic side wall, which were traditionally judged a contraindication for exenteration. Although mortality has fallen to less than 5%, treatment-related severe morbidity of pelvic exenteration still exceeds 50%, possibly because of compromised healing of irradiated tissue and use of complex reconstructive techniques. The benefits of exenteration for patients who have advanced primary disease or recurrent tumours after surgery, versus those who have chemoradiotherapy, are not proven by results of controlled trials, but can be assumed from retrospective data. Comparative findings are missing, and arguments are unconvincing to favour pelvic exenteration over less extensive treatments and best supportive care for palliation of cancer symptoms in most patients.

Laparoscopic surgery in gynaecological oncology

AIMS

The use of laparoscopic staging and/or surgery in the field of gynaecological oncology was pioneered in the late 1980s and the first reports were published in the early 1990s. The issue has been initially most controversial, and is still debated, with some justification considering the possible adverse consequences of surgical mismanagement of gynaecologic malignancy.

METHODS

The current literature has been reviewed and updated, concentrating on long-term, and/or comparative studies. Large observational studies have also been included. Recent papers concerning new developments have been selected.

FINDINGS

A number of papers have confirmed the absence of significant adverse effects on survival after laparoscopic diagnosis or surgery in gynaecological cancers. New developments cover virtually all the basic techniques in cancer surgery, including major exenterative surgery. The use of extraperitoneal technique for aortic dissections is emerging as a new tool. New indications, such as radical vaginal trachelectomy, radical parametrectomy, pelvic sentinel node identification, interval debulking surgery of adnexal malignancies, or the use of pretherapeutic surgical staging of uterine cancers, have been developed in direct relation with the use of laparoscopic techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

Current available data and worldwide interest clearly demonstrate that laparoscopic techniques must now be part of the armamentarium of the gynaecologic oncologist. Postoperative morbidity and recurrence risk do not seem to be affected. Cost-efficiency of laparoscopic procedures is based on the reduction of hospital stay and recovery time, although operating room time is increased in some procedures. Combined training in gynaecologic oncology and in laparoscopic and/or vaginal surgery is more than ever mandatory to avoid the risk of inadequate staging or management of pelvic malignancies.

[Laparoscopic pelvic exenteration for cervical cancer relapse: preliminary study]

OBJECTIVES

To determine the feasibility and short and midterm results of laparoscopic pelvic exenteration for cervical cancer relapse. Materials and methods. Five patients with centro-pelvic recurrence within 3 to 13 months after combined chemo-radiation therapy (associated to surgery for two cases) for cervical cancer tumors were included in a pilot study.

RESULTS

The procedures consisted in a complete pelvic exenteration with colo-anal anastomosis and ileal-loop conduit for 2 patients, a posterior pelvic exenteration including uterus, vagina and rectum with colo-anal anastomosis for 1 patient, an anterior pelvic exenteration including bladder and vagina with an ileal-loop conduit for 1 patient and a anterior pelvic exenteration with a laparoscopic hand assisted Miami Pouch for 1 patient. The 5 procedures were successful with no conversion to laparotomy. Time of procedure ranged between 4 h 30 and 9 hours. Average blood loss was 370 cc. Three patients developed metastatic recurrences and died. The two patients with anterior exenteration are alive and free of disease 11 and 15 months after the procedure.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic pelvic exenteration procedures are feasible. A larger series is necessary to determine the advantages of this technique compared to laparotomy.

Transperitoneal laparoscopic pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy in gynecologic cancers

Laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgery, may benefit select patients more than traditional abdominal approaches. The benefits of this procedure include low morbidity, shorter length of hospital stay, less blood loss, no significant increase in complications, and a shorter postoperative recovery period; this allows patients to begin adjuvant therapy more quickly. Laparoscopy has been used in gynecologic oncology since the early 1990s and has continued to grow and develop. Complex gynecologic oncology procedures can be performed with a low rate of complication and a low rate of conversion to laparotomy. The literature supports the fact that laparoscopy can be performed with short-term benefit with no increase in morbidity. Although the data are limited and emerging, the risk of cancer recurrence does not appear to increase because of this minimal access approach. Currently, advanced laparoscopic techniques are used to evaluate and treat cervical, endometrial, and ovarian malignancies. Specifically, transperitoneal laparoscopic lymphadenectomy including pelvic and paraaortic nodes is a feasible and efficacious procedure in the management of certain gynecologic malignancies.

Laparoscopy-assisted vaginal pelvic exenteration

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, morbidity and survival outcome of laparoscopy-assisted vaginal pelvic exenteration.

METHODS

Since 2000, we have performed 5 cases of en-bloc pelvic exenteration combining a vaginal or perineal approach and laparoscopic approach. All patients had received previous pelvic irradiation. One patient underwent a total type II exenteration with ileal-loop diversion, an omental flap and a temporary colostomy. Two patients underwent a middle and posterior exenteration: one was a type III exenteration with perineal rectal resection and a gracilis myocutaneous flap; the second one was a type II exenteration with a colorectal anastomosis and a vaginal reconstruction using a gluteal thigh flap. Two patients underwent a type I anterior and middle exenteration with continent Miami pouch and vaginal reconstruction by omental cylinder.

RESULTS

Mean time of the procedure was 6 h (range: 4.5-9). Peroperative bleeding was less than 500 cm3. Two patients presented minor complications: a perineal abscess after perineal rectal resection and an abdominal wound abscess. Mean length of hospital stay was 27 days. Three patients are free of disease. Two patients presented groin metastasis. One patient died of disease after 8 months.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic or laparoscopy-assisted vaginal pelvic exenteration followed by reconstruction is feasible with curative intent in selected patients.

Laparoscopy-assisted transvaginal total exenteration for locally advanced cervical cancer with bladder invasion after radiotherapy

When invasive cervical cancer involves the urinary bladder or rectum, exenteration can be curative treatment. However, this operation, particularly by an open approach, carries significant morbidity, both physically and psychologically. Laparoscopic surgery has been documented to be a reasonable alternative to the open counterpart for a variety of pelvic operative procedures, including such advanced procedures as laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy, total laparoscopic hysterectomy, and laparoscopy radical hysterectomy. With improving surgical technology and increasing surgical experience, exenteration is a logical extension of current laparoscopic practice. However, it raises skepticism regarding the feasibility and justification for the complicated surgery. We herein describe our experience in a patient undergoing total exenteration assisted by laparoscopic technology for advanced recurrent cervical cancer after extensive radiotherapy. Transperitoneal laparoscopic total exenteration with ureterosigmoidstomy and end-sigmoidostomy was accomplished in 6 hours. The whole specimen was removed en bloc transvaginally. The patient tolerated the procedure well. The only complication was a wound infection 50 days postoperatively that was controlled with debridement and antibiotics. No episodes of pyelonephritis occurred. After 1 year of follow-up, the patient is free of cancer by imaging studies and lives without associated morbidity of this extensive palliative operation except the care of the sigmoid colostomy.

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery in the irradiated pelvis

BACKGROUND

Heightened interest in minimally invasive surgery and the expanding use of radiation therapy presents surgeons with new challenges. While conventional surgery in the irradiated pelvis represents a significant technical obstacle, indications for laparoscopic colorectal surgery are currently being defined. The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of laparoscopic surgery in the irradiated field.

METHODS

Forty-two patients underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery after preoperative radiation therapy, mean dose of 5,644 cGy. All patients were assessed according to intraoperative issues and perioperative events.

RESULTS

Eleven patients underwent diverting stoma formation whereas 31 patients underwent resections. The overall conversion rate was 7% (n = 3). Average blood loss was 378 mL. There were no perioperative deaths. Overall morbidity was 19% (n = 8). 78% of patients tolerated clear liquids by postoperative day 2, and 73% tolerated a house diet by postoperative day 4. Average length of stay was 5.5 days.

CONCLUSIONS

With proper patient selection and laparoscopic experience, laparoscopic colorectal surgery can be performed in the irradiated pelvis without undue morbidity and mortality.

Pelvic exenteration and reconstruction

For the past six decades, pelvic extenteration has been utilized in the treatment of localized central pelvic recurrences after chemo/radiotherapy. The radicality of the procedure that includes resection of the bladder, vulva/vagina, and rectum, although with curative intent, results in comprehensive changes for the patient. For this reason, all patients should undergo extensive psychosocial counseling to prepare them for the changes in body image and lifestyle. Extirpation of the pelvic viscera has undergone a number of modifications since Brunschwig first described it in 1948 to maximize survivability and minimized anatomical distortion. Most of the advancements have been focused on the reconstructive phase after pelvic exenteration. A few select patients can be free of any external appliances such as a colostomy bag with utilization of a low colorectal anastomosis, and can maintain sexual intimacy with creation of a neovagina. In addition, reconstruction of the pelvic floor with omental flaps, dura mater grafts and myocutaneous flaps have decreased postoperative morbidity. In this article, we provide a review of pelvic exenteration in gynecologic oncology, emphasizing preoperative evaluation, surgical techniques and their postoperative management.

Laparoscopic surgery for gynaecological oncology

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The use of laparoscopic staging and/or surgery in the field of gynaecological oncology was pioneered in the early 1990s. The issue has been very controversial from the beginning, with some justification in view of the possible consequences of faulty cancer surgery. After more than 10 years, long-term follow-up and comparative studies, both of which are required in clinical oncological research, are now available.

RECENT FINDINGS

A number of papers have confirmed the absence of significant adverse effects on survival after laparoscopic diagnosis or surgery in gynaecological cancers. New developments cover virtually all the basic techniques in cancer surgery, excluding major exenterative surgery. The use of an extraperitoneal technique for aortic dissections is emerging. New indications, such as radical vaginal trachelectomy, pelvic sentinel node identification, interval debulking surgery of adnexal malignancies, or the liberal use of surgical staging of uterine cancers, have been developed as a direct result of the availability of laparoscopic techniques.

SUMMARY

Continuing worldwide interest clearly demonstrates that laparoscopic techniques are now part of the armamentarium of the gynaecological oncologist. Postoperative morbidity and recurrence risk do not seem to be affected. Cost-efficiency of laparoscopic procedures is based on the reduction of hospital stay. Combined training in gynaecological oncology and in laparoscopic surgery is, more than ever, mandatory as a means of avoiding the risk of inadequate staging or the mismanagement of pelvic malignancies. The diversity of techniques, including laparotomy, laparoscopy, and vaginal surgery, allows the individualization of surgical approaches, whereby tumour size and local or general conditions can be taken into account.

Explorative laparoscopy prior to exenterative surgery

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to identify the advantages and limits of laparoscopy for assessment of eligibility for exenterative procedures in patients with gynecologic malignancies.

METHODS

Between April 1998 and April 2001, 41 consecutive patients with primary or recurrent gynecologic malignancy underwent explorative laparoscopy to detect eligibility for exenteration.

RESULTS

Mean age of patients was 54 years (range, 31-80 years). Twenty out of 41 (48.7%) patients underwent exclusively explorative laparoscopy due to unresectable disease or intraabdominal spread of disease. Median operative time for this cohort of patients was 69.1 min (range, 10-278), median blood loss was 30 cc (range 10-60) and no complications occurred. Based on findings of explorative laparoscopy 21 out of 41 (51.2%) patients were eligible for exenteration. Evaluation of extension of disease was correctly done by laparoscopy and was not corrected at laparotomy. One patient out of 21 (4.76%) had extension of disease missed at both laparoscopy and laparotomy and discovered only at an advanced phase of exenteration. Histology of exenterative specimens confirmed laparoscopic evaluation in 20 out of 21 patients (95.25%).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopy proved effective for evaluation of patients who were candidates for exenteration and helped to avoid unnecessary laparotomy in half of the candidate patients.

Laparoscopic surgery for gynecologic cancers

In conclusion, laparoscopic techniques are useful for the evaluation and treatment of selected gynecologic malignancies and provide major benefits to patients. The benefits, however, can be expected only from gynecologic oncologists well-versed in advanced laparoscopic techniques. Results must be interpreted cautiously, depending on the laparoscopic expertise of the reporting authors. Numerous questions remain unanswered, particularly those associated with long-term recurrences and survival. The use of laparoscopic procedures for gynecologic malignancies must be considered investigational until adequate long-term survival data are available.

[Role of laparoscopy in the management of uterine cervix cancer]

At the turn of this century, the evidence of the benefits of a concurrent chemo-radiotherapy in locally advanced tumors and the development of mini-invasive surgery (laparoscopic and radical vaginal surgery) are the two main advances in the management of cervical carcinomas. From a personal experience of 304 cervical carcinomas, the different techniques of laparoscopy used in cervical carcinomas are addressed and discussed. Their long-term results when involved in the management protocols of cervical carcinomas at different stages are reported. From this series, some conclusions are drawn: 1) laparoscopy can spare a laparotomy in early-stage node-negative patients with low tumoral volume; 2) it can spare a systematic extended-field radiation therapy in high-risk patients with node-negative para-aortic exploration; 3) it can spare surgery in patients with a centro-pelvic advanced stage or recurrence, possibly candidates for an exenterative procedure, if occult spread is found in the intra- or retroperitoneal areas. The more and more frequent combination of the mini-invasive surgery for staging and treatment and radiotherapy or chemotherapy explains the need for new protocols of a more and more complex and specialized management.

Pelvic exenteration for advanced pelvic malignancy

Pelvic exenteration is a demanding, yet potentially curative operation, for patients with advanced pelvic cancer. The majority will present with recurrence after prior surgery and radiotherapy. After exenteration, 5-year survival is 40% to 60% in patients with gynecologic cancer as compared to 25% to 40% for patients with colorectal cancer. Physiologic age and absence of co-morbidities appear to be more important when selecting patients for exenteration than chronological age. Careful pre-operative staging, including either computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), usually will identify patients with distant metastases, extrapelvic nodal disease, or disease involving the pelvic sidewall (which generally precludes surgery). The recent application of intra-operative radiotherapy or postoperative high-dose brachytherapy for patients with more advanced pelvic disease, which may include sidewall involvement, may expand the standard indications for exenteration. However, the intent of this procedure, with or without radiotherapy, should be resection of all tumor with the aim of cure since the place of palliative exenteration is controversial at best. The operative details of exenteration are presented, as are two surgical approaches to composite resection of pelvic structures in continuity with sacrectomy. Filling the pelvis with large tissue flaps, usually a rectus abdominus flap, has decreased morbidity rates, particularly with small bowel complications. Peri-operative mortality is usually 5% to 10%, and significant morbidity occurs in over 50% of patients. Restorative techniques for both urinary and gastrointestinal tracts can diminish the need for stomas and, along with vaginal reconstruction, can significantly improve quality of life for many patients after exenteration. These advances in surgery and radiotherapy help make the procedure a viable option for patients with otherwise incurable pelvic malignancy.

The virtues and pitfalls of minimally invasive surgery for gynecological malignancies: an update

Operative laparoscopy is still jockeying for its place in the surgical management of gynecological malignancies. Its usefulness in staging these malignancies continues to be investigated, as does its ability to convert abdominal procedures to vaginal procedures. Recent articles also address the role of operative laparoscopy in less common procedures, as well as the curiosity of investigators to gain a better understanding of the 'consequences' of operative laparoscopy by using animal models. The reader is updated by a review of the reports published over the past year and a half.