Palliative pelvic exenteration for patients with gynecological malignancies

A systematic review and meta-analysis on mortality rate following total pelvic exenteration in cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Total pelvic exenteration (TPE), an en bloc resection is an ultraradical operation for malignancies, and refers to the removal of organs inside the pelvis, including female reproductive organs, lower urological organs and involved parts of the digestive system. The aim of this meta-analysis is to estimate the intra-operative mortality, in-hospital mortality, 30- and 90-day mortality rate and overall mortality rate (MR) following TPE in colorectal, gynecological, urological, and miscellaneous cancers.

METHODS

This is a systematic review and meta-analysis in which three international databases including Medline through PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science on November 2023 were searched. To screen and select relevant studies, retrieved articles were entered into Endnote software. The required information was extracted from the full text of the retrieved articles by the authors. Effect measures in this study was the intra-operative, in-hospital, and 90-day and overall MR following TPE. All analyzes are performed using Stata software version 16 (Stata Corp, College Station, TX).

RESULTS

In this systematic review, 1751 primary studies retrieved, of which 98 articles (5343 cases) entered into this systematic review. The overall mortality rate was 30.57% in colorectal cancers, 25.5% in gynecological cancers and 12.42% in Miscellaneous. The highest rate of mortality is related to the overall mortality rate of colorectal cancers. The MR in open surgeries was higher than in minimally invasive surgeries, and also in primary advanced cancers, it was higher than in recurrent cancers.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, it can be said that performing TPE in a specialized surgical center with careful patient eligibility evaluation is a viable option for advanced malignancies of the pelvic organs.

Minimally invasive pelvic exenteration for gynaecological malignancies: the challenge of patients' selection

Pelvic exenteration is a radical procedure representing a salvage option in patients with recurrent or persistent gynaecological malignancies. It can be performed with an open or minimally invasive approach. Different studies have demonstrated optimal peri-operative outcomes of minimally invasive pelvic exenteration with no survival difference when compared with an open approach. In this article, we discuss the importance and the challenge of patient selection for pelvic exenteration and more specifically for minimally invasive pelvic exenteration.

Pelvic exenteration for recurrent or advanced gynecologic malignancies - Analysis of outcome and complications

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Overall survival was 25.5% with a median follow-up of 47 months.

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Positive resection margins had a negative impact on survival.

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Neoadjuvant treatment correlated with achieving negative margins.

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19% had no postoperative complications, major complications were observed in 40.4%

Pelvic exenterations are known to be a last resort therapeutic option for advanced or recurrent gynecologic malignancies, which are known to have poor prognosis.

All women treated with anterior (APE) or total (TPE) pelvic exenteration at our University hospital within a five-year period were identified and their data retrospectively analysed. Parameters such as demographic information, tumor type and stage, previous therapy as well as complication rate and overall survival were evaluated.

47 women were enrolled in this study. Most common indication for PE was cervical cancer (51.1%) followed by carcinoma of the vagina (17%), vulva (10.6%), endometrium (8.5%), ovaries (4.3%) and uterus (2.1%). Patients had received 1, 2 or 3 treatment modalities prior in 12.8%, 38.8% and 21.2% respectively. Predominant urinary diversion was ileum conduit (75.5%). Major complications (Clavien Dindo ≥ III) were observed in 40.4%, none in 19.2%. Early mortality was 4.3%. Median Overall Survival (mOS) was 14 months with 2- and 3-year survival rates of 38.8% and 21.2% respectively. After a median follow up of 47 months, 25.5% were still alive. Excluding patients with metastatic disease (n = 10), mOS was 20.6 months with 2- and 3-year survival rates of 46% and 35.2%. OS was significantly worse for patients with positive margins (p = 0.003). Receiving neoadjuvant treatment (25.5%) correlated with negative margins (p = 0.013) but not with overall survival.

PE is feasible with acceptable complication and mortality rates. The long-time benefit is notable bearing in mind the extensive nature of the malignancies and the procedure undertaken.

Analysis of the surgical management of patients with recurrent cervical cancer after radiotherapy and chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the results of morbidity and survival after curative and palliative surgery in recurrent cervical cancer patients who underwent chemoradiation as their primary treatment. Another goal was to assess the factors associated with curative and non-curative procedures.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort consisting of patients undergoing surgery curative and palliative from January 2011 to December 2017 at a high complexity oncology center. Outcome of morbidity was reported according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, and survival analysis was carried out using the Kaplan-Meir method. To assess the factors associated with the procedures, a univariate analysis using the Mann-Whitney U test was performed.

RESULTS

Two radical hysterectomies, three pelvic exenterations with curative intent, and five palliatives pelvic exenterations were performed. In the curative group, there were major complications in 40% of the cases, and the median survival time was 16 months. In the palliative group, there were major complications in 60% of the cases, and the median survival time was 5 months. Advanced staging (p-value= 0.02), symptoms (p-value=0.04), tumor size greater than five centimeters (p-value=0.04), and more than three organs involved (p-value=0.003) were factors significantly associated with non-curative surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The morbidity rates of this study were higher in palliative group, and the median survival time was lower in the palliative group than the curative group, but this difference in survival was not statistically significant. Advanced stage, symptoms, tumor size and number of organs involved are factors that should be taken into consideration when indicating surgical salvage.

Guidelines of the Brazilian Society of Oncologic Surgery for pelvic exenteration in the treatment of cervical cancer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The primary treatment for locally advanced cases of cervical cancer is chemoradiation followed by high-dose brachytherapy. When this treatment fails, pelvic exenteration (PE) is an option in some cases. This study aimed to develop recommendations for the best management of patients with cervical cancer undergoing salvage PE.

METHODS

A questionnaire was administered to all members of the Brazilian Society of Surgical Oncology. Of them, 68 surgeons participated in the study and were divided into 10 working groups. A literature review of studies retrieved from the National Library of Medicine database was carried out on topics chosen by the participants. These topics were indications for curative and palliative PE, preoperative and intraoperative evaluation of tumor resectability, access routes and surgical techniques, PE classification, urinary, vaginal, intestinal, and pelvic floor reconstructions, and postoperative follow-up. To define the level of evidence and strength of each recommendation, an adapted version of the Infectious Diseases Society of America Health Service rating system was used.

RESULTS

Most conducts and management strategies reviewed were strongly recommended by the participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Guidelines outlining strategies for PE in the treatment of persistent or relapsed cervical cancer were developed and are based on the best evidence available in the literature.

Palliative pelvic exenteration: A systematic review of patient-centered outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Palliative pelvic exenteration (PPE) is a technically complex operation with high morbidity and mortality rates, considered in patients with limited life expectancy. There is little evidence to guide practice. We performed a systematic review to evaluate the impact of PPE on symptom relief and quality of life (QoL).

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines using Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASe, and PubMed databases for studies reporting on outcomes of PPE for symptom relief or QoL. Descriptive statistics were used on pooled patient cohorts.

RESULTS

Twenty-three historical cohorts and case series were included, comprising 509 patients. No comparative studies were found. Most malignancies were of colorectal, gynaecological and urological origin. Common indications for PPE were pain, symptomatic fistula, bleeding, malodour, obstruction and pelvic sepsis. The pooled median postoperative morbidity rate was 53.6% (13-100%), the median in-hospital mortality was 6.3% (0-66.7%), and median OS was 14 months (4-40 months). Some symptom relief was reported in a median of 79% (50-100%) of the patients, although the magnitude of effect was poorly measured. Data for QoL measures were inconclusive. Five studies discouraged performing PPE in any patient, while 18 studies concluded that the procedure can be considered in highly selected patients.

CONCLUSION

Available evidence on PPE is of low-quality. Morbidity and mortality rates are high with a short median OS interval. While some symptom relief may be afforded by this procedure, evidence for improvement in QoL is limited. A highly selective individualised approach is required to optimise the risk:benefit equation.

Palliative pelvic exenteration using iliofemoral bypass with synthetic grafts for advanced cervical carcinoma

Objective

Recurrent cervical cancer can cause severe morbidity. Despite the severe morbidity after surgery, pelvic exenteration is still used today for mainly curative intent. This intention is neither based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) nor high quality non-RCTs with adequate patient numbers comparing medical management with surgery. The same is true for exenteration for palliative intent, so the patient selection for either curative or palliative intent must be considered on a patient-by-patient basis.

Materials and Methods

A 35-year-old patient who had undergone primary chemo-radiotherapy for advanced cervical cancer presented with intractable pain on the swollen left leg and pelvis 8 months later. Left lower extremity Doppler ultrasound revealed echogenic thrombus in the external iliac, femoral, and popliteal veins, consistent with acute deep vein thrombus. She underwent total exenteration, end colostomy, ileal urinary conduit, pelvic lymphadenectomy, paraortic lymph node sampling, and ilio-femoral arterial and venous bypass.

Results

The procedure relieved her pain, the leg diameter dramatically decreased from 75 cm to 44 cm, and circulation of the leg was reestablished. The procedure deferred leg amputation for about five months.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a palliative pelvic exenteration for cervical cancer with combined iliofemoral arterial and venous bypasses. These procedures, with high morbidity and mortality, are also more controversial when undertaken for just palliation of symptoms. They must be considered in the basis of each patient, and the benefits and risks must be discussed thoroughly in a realistic perspective with the patient.

Pelvic exenteration in gynecologic cancer: complications and oncological outcome

Introduction

Pelvic exenteration (PE) is indicated in cases of unresponsive, recurrent pelvic cancer or for palliative intent. Despite the fact that the surgery is associated with a high rate of morbidity, it is currently the only real option that can effect a cure.

Material and methods

Patients who underwent PE between January 2011 and July 2017 in our centre were retrospectively reviewed. Data related to surgery, complications and outcomes were recorded.

Results

Twenty-three patients were included. PE was performed due to recurrent gynaecological cancer, persistence of disease and after first diagnosis in 19 (82%), 2 (9%) and 2 patients (9%), respectively. Total PE was performed in 15 cases (65%), followed by anterior PE in 5 cases (22%) and posterior PE in 3 cases (13%). Early grade II, III and IV complications occurred in 15 (65%), 5 (22%) and 2 patients (9%), respectively. No mortality was observed within 30 days. Medium-late grade II, III, IV and V complications occurred in 15 (65%), 11 (48%), 3 (13%) and 2 cases (9%), respectively. Two patients died after > 30-day period from surgery-related complications. The overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) at 48 months after PE was 41.6% and 30.8% respectively.

Conclusions

PE provides about a 40% 4-year survival chance in a selected group of patients. The early-complications rate and 30-day mortality were acceptable. Nevertheless, the medium-late complication grades II–V were 65, 48, 18 and 9%, respectively. We must focus on identifying those patients who could potentially benefit most from PE.

Palliative Total Pelvic Exenteration for Gynecologic Cancers: A Cross-sectional Study of Society of Gynecologic Oncology Members

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate contemporary practices and opinions among gynecologic oncologists regarding the use of total pelvic exenteration (TPE) for palliative intent.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study of the membership of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology utilized an electronic survey to assess the opinions and practice patterns of gynecologic oncologists regarding TPEs. The primary outcome was willingness to consider a TPE for palliative intent, and demographic and practice characteristics were collected for correlation. Qualitative data were also collected. Descriptive statistics are presented, and χ tests, Fisher exact tests, and logistic regression analyses were used.

RESULTS

We included 315 surveys for analysis, for a completed response rate of 23.5%. Approximately half (52.4%, n = 165) of respondents indicated willingness to consider palliative TPE. When controlled for all variables, gynecologic oncologists who were more than 10 years out of fellowship were less likely to perform a palliative exenteration (odds ratio, 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.30-0.98), whereas those who reported experience with minimally invasive exenteration were more likely to offer it for palliation (odds ratio, 2.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-4.73). Fifty-three respondents (16.8%) provided qualitative data. The themes that emerged as considerations for TPE as palliation were (1) symptoms and quality of life, (2) surgical and perioperative morbidity, (3) anticipated overall survival, (4) counseling and informed consent, (5) functional status and comorbidities, (6) likelihood of residual disease, and (7) alternative procedures available for palliation.

CONCLUSION

Half of gynecologic oncologists seem to be willing to offer a palliative TPE, although more-experienced gynecologic oncologists are more likely to reserve the procedure for curative intent.

Pelvic exenteration for gynecologic malignancies: Postoperative complications and oncologic outcomes

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

To evaluate complications, morbidity and oncologic outcomes of pelvic exenteration as treatment for gynecologic malignancies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 2008 and 2015, a total of 35 patients underwent pelvic exenteration, due to recurrence of gynecological cancer. Surgical outcomes, early and late postoperative complications, and recurrence/survival outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 53.8 years. Anterior exenteration was done in 20 patients, while 15 were total exenterations. Ileal conduit was done in 24 patients, while 8 received a neobladder and 3 a cutaneous ureterostomy. Postoperative complications were divided in 2groups, early (<30 days) and late complications (>30 days). A total of 25 patients (71.4%) had one or more early complications; 16 (45.7%) had fever due to a urinary tract infection, pyelonephritis or intra-abdominal collection; 2 (5.7%) developed a vesicovaginal fistula; 4 (11.4%) a rectovaginal fistula; 3 (8.5%) acute kidney failure and one (2.85%) uronephrosis. Regarding to late complications, 8patients (22.8%) had fever. Six (17%) presented with uronephrosis, and 5 (14.2%) with ureteral-pouch stricture. Five patients (14.2%) had acute renal insufficiency, 3 (8,6%) rectovaginal fistula and one (2.85%) urinary fistula. Mean follow up time was 20.3 month (2-60). A total of 22patients (62.8%) were free of disease. Another 13 (37.1%) patients relapsed. Only 4 (11.4%) patients died after pelvic exenteration due to underlying disease.

CONCLUSION

Pelvic exenteration has a high rate of complications and morbidity, but can be the last curative opportunity in patients with recurrent or persistent gynecologic malignancies. This procedure should be performed by multidisciplinary, experienced teams in a tertiary medical center.

BGCS uterine cancer guidelines: Recommendations for practice

The British Gynaecological Cancer Society has issued the first Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer guidelines as recommendation for practice for the UK.

Palliative Pelvic Exenteration: Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Life

BACKGROUND

Locally advanced pelvic malignancy can be associated with disabling symptoms and reduced quality of life. If resectable with clear margins, a pelvic exenteration can offer long-term survival and improved quality of life. Its role in the palliation of symptoms has been described; however, the clinical outcomes and surgical indication are poorly defined.

OBJECTIVE

This study describes the clinical and quality-of-life outcomes after palliative pelvic exenteration for advanced pelvic malignancy.

DESIGN

Clinical data and patient-reported outcomes were collected for patients undergoing pelvic exenteration for symptom palliation.

SETTINGS

This study was conducted at a tertiary referral center for pelvic exenteration.

PATIENTS

All of the patients undergoing palliative pelvic exenteration for advanced primary rectal or recurrent cancer were included in our analysis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Patient-reported quality of life and physical and mental health status were measured. Quality-of-life trajectories were modeled over the 12 months from the date of surgery using linear mixed models.

RESULTS

A total of 39 patients underwent pelvic exenteration for symptom palliation. Although there were no in-hospital deaths, 34% experienced significant morbidity. Patient-reported quality of life reduced postoperatively and gradually declined thereafter. Overall median survival was 24 months, with a 1-year mortality rate of 31%. There was a significant survival difference for the 39 patients undergoing pelvic exenteration compared with those patients who only had a debulking/bypass procedure or were closed without definitive treatment (overall median survival = 24 versus 9 months; p = <0.02).

LIMITATIONS

Disease and patient heterogeneity limit the interpretation of these results.

CONCLUSIONS

Palliative pelvic exenteration is a technically demanding operation that can be performed safely in a dedicated exenteration center. However, no durable palliation of symptoms with associated improved or sustained quality of life was observed, and the role of palliation therefore remains highly controversial in this complex group of patients.

Pelvic exenteration for recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the pelvic organs arising from the cloaca--a single institution's experience over 16 years

AIM

Minimal data are available on the role of pelvic exenteration in patients with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the pelvic organs. This study aimed to highlight our experience of pelvic exenteration in patients with recurrent and re-recurrent SCC of the pelvic organs.

METHOD

A retrospective review of all patients who underwent pelvic exenteration for recurrent SCC of the pelvic organs arising from the embryological cloaca from 1994 to 2010 was performed.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients (median age 59, range, 27-79 years) underwent pelvic exenteration for recurrent SCC of the anus (18), cervix and upper vagina (2), lower vagina (1) and the vulva (3). Nine patients with anal SCC had undergone abdominoperineal excision prior to pelvic exenteration. Ten (41.7%) patients underwent a complete pelvic exenteration procedure, while sacrectomy was performed in 13 (54.2%) patients. There was no 30-day inpatient mortality. An R0 resection was achieved in 15 (62.5%) patients. Three (12.5%) had R1 resections while 6 (25%) had R2 resections. In the 15 patients with an R0 resection, 7 (46.7%) developed metastatic disease at a median of 18 (range 10-131) months. After a median follow-up of 26 (range 4-169) months, 1- and 2-year overall survival rates were 64% [95% confidence interval (CI), 44-84%] and 57% (95% CI 35-79%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Pelvic exenteration for recurrent SCC of the cloaca is safe and feasible even after previous salvage surgery. An R0 resection can be achieved in 62.5% of the patients with reasonable early survival though less than published recurrent rectal cancer studies.

Characteristics of gynecologic oncology patients in King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital - complications and outcome of pelvic exenteration

BACKGROUND

Pelvic exenteration is a procedure which includes enbloc resection of pelvic organs followed by surgical reconstruction. Aims include both cure and palliation but data for pelvic exenteration in Thailand are very limited.

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to evaluate characteristics of patients, operative procedure outcomes and complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective review covered all of the charts of exenteration patients during January 2002 to December 2011. Baseline characteristic of the patients were collected as well as details of clinical results.

RESULTS

A total of 13 cases of pelvic exenteration were included. Most underwent total pelvic exenteration (9 cases) and the remainder posterior and anterior exenteration. Their primary cancers were ovarian, cervical and vulva. Mean operative time was 532 minutes (SD 160.2, range 270- 750) and estimated blood loss was 2830 ml (1850, 1000-8000). Mean tumor size was 7.33 cm (3.75, 4-15). Mean hospital stay was 35.2 days (29.8, 13-109). The most common post operative complication was urinary tract infection. Overall disease free survival with a negative surgical margin was significantly better than in positive surgical margin patients (p=0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical margin was the most significant prognostic factor for disease free survival, in line with earlier studies.

Total pelvic exenteration for gynecologic malignancies

Total pelvic exenteration (PE) is a radical operation, involving en bloc resection of pelvic organs, including reproductive structures, bladder, and rectosigmoid. In gynecologic oncology, it is most commonly indicated for the treatment of advanced primary or locally recurrent cancer. Careful patient selection and counseling are of paramount importance when considering someone for PE. Part of the evaluation process includes comprehensive assessment to exclude unresectable or metastatic disease. PE can be curative for carefully selected patients with gynecologic cancers. Major complications can be seen in as many as 50% of patients undergoing PE, underscoring the need to carefully discuss risks and benefits of this procedure with patients considering exenterative surgery.

Blood Loss and Massive Transfusion in Patients Undergoing Major Oncological Surgery: What Do We Know?

Patients with solid malignancies who were not candidates for tumor resections in the past are now presenting for extensive oncological resections. Cancer patients are at risk for thromboembolic complications due to an underlying hypercoagulable state; however, some patients may have an increased risk for bleeding due to the effects of chemotherapy, the administration of anticoagulant drugs, tumor-related fibrinolysis, tumor location, tumor vascularity, and extent of disease. A common potential complication of all complex oncological surgeries is massive intra- and postoperative hemorrhage and the subsequent risk for massive blood transfusion. This can be anticipated or unexpected. Several surgical and anesthesia interventions including preoperative tumor embolization, major vessel occlusion, hemodynamic manipulation, and perioperative antifibrinolytic therapy have been used to prevent or control blood loss with varying success. The exact incidence of massive blood transfusion in oncological surgery is largely unknown and/or underreported. The current literature mostly consists of purely descriptive observational studies. Thus, recommendation regarding specific perioperative intervention cannot be made at this point, and more research is warranted.

Ansiedad, depresión, percepción y sentimientos de mujeres con cáncer indicadas para cirugía de exenteración pélvica

Objetivo: el presente estudio evalúa señales de depresión y ansiedad en mujeres con cáncer indicadas para cirugía de exenteración pélvica (EP), e identifica sus percepciones y sentimientos ante la EP. Método: Participaron en el estudio seis mujeres (37 a 64 años) que recibían tratamiento oncológico en un hospital del sur de Brasil. Las pacientes rellenaron una ficha de datos sociodemográficos y respondieron a la Escala Hospitalaria de Ansiedad y Depresión (HADS). También fueron realizadas entrevistas semiestructuradas. Resultados: En general, los resultados revelan reacciones emocionales a la indicación de EP para las participantes. Se verificó la presencia de ansiedad y depresión (50% y 66,7%, respectivamente) en el periodo preoperatorio. A partir del análisis de las entrevistas fue posible identificar dudas y temores sobre el resultado de la cirugía, así como sobre las expectativas de cura del cáncer. También aparecieron sentimientos de miedo, preocupación y ansiedad ante las ostomías. Conclusión: Estudios longitudinales pueden ampliar la comprensión del impacto de la EP, considerando también el periodo postoperatorio. Se subraya la necesidad de un seguimiento psicológico preoperatorio para mujeres indicadas para este procedimiento altamente especializado e invasivo.