Pelvic exenteration combined with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for advanced primary or recurrent colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastases

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.

Pelvic exenterations combined with cytoreductions for T4 rectal cancers with peritoneal metastasis: a safety analysis

BACKGROUND

Pelvic exenterations and cytoreduction are individually morbid procedures with oncological validity. The combination of these simultaneously in patients with rectal cancers has not been evaluated. The present study aimed to assess the surgical and survival outcomes of the combined procedure.

METHODS

Retrospective, single-centre analysis of consecutive patients that underwent pelvic exenterations and cytoreductions for advanced or recurrent rectal cancers with peritoneal metastasis between 2013 and 2022. The primary outcome measure for safety was major complications (≥Grade IIIA). The threshold for considering the procedure unsafe was set at 50% for the upper confidence limit of major morbidity. Overall and recurrence-free survival were also assessed.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients underwent the combined procedure that included 24 total pelvic and 15 posterior pelvic exenterations. The median age of the cohort was 35 years, 18 (46.2%) had signet ring cell cancers, and eight patients (21%) had extraperitoneal disease as well. The median PCI was 4 and CC-0 was achieved in 38 patients (97.4%). Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy was delivered in 15 patients, and four had placement of an intraperitoneal chemo port. Major complications were experienced by 7 patients (18%; 95% confidence interval: 7.5%-33.5%). Median recurrence-free and overall survivals were 9 and 17 months, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Combined pelvic exenterations and cytoreductions are safe operations in terms of morbidity. Survival, however, remains poor for this group of patients despite aggressive surgery.

What are the preoperative predictors of a futile pelvic exenteration in rectal cancers?

INTRODUCTION

Early recurrences and deaths after a morbid procedure like pelvic exenteration are devastating events. The present study aimed at determining the incidence and predictors of futile pelvic exenterations.

METHODS

Consecutive pelvic exenterations for advanced and recurrent rectal adenocarcinomas operated between January 2013 and January 2021 were included with a minimum of six months follow-up. Futility of exenteration was defined as recurrence or death within six months of operation. Multivariate logistic regression was used to define predictors of futility.

RESULTS

Two-hundred eighty-five patients were included and 61 patients (21.4%) had a futile resection. Poorly differentiated (or signet) histology, presence of lateral pelvic nodes, M1 disease, and the need for pelvic bone resections predicted a futile resection. The probability of futility was 10%, 20%, 35-40%, 55-60%, and >75% when none, one, two, three, and all four of the predictors were present. The model was able to correctly predict futility in 70% of the cases suggesting moderate discrimination, and showed good calibration.

CONCLUSIONS

Futile pelvic exenterations were observed in one-fifth of patients. Four strong predictors of futility were identified. The risk of early failures was additive when combination of these adverse features was present, and can be used for patient selection and prognostication.

Contemporary Management of Locally Advanced and Recurrent Rectal Cancer: Views from the PelvEx Collaborative

Pelvic exenteration is a complex operation performed for locally advanced and recurrent pelvic cancers. The goal of surgery is to achieve clear margins, therefore identifying adjacent or involved organs, bone, muscle, nerves and/or vascular structures that may need resection. While these extensive resections are potentially curative, they can be associated with substantial morbidity. Recently, there has been a move to centralize care to specialized units, as this facilitates better multidisciplinary care input. Advancements in pelvic oncology and surgical innovation have redefined the boundaries of pelvic exenterative surgery. Combined with improved neoadjuvant therapies, advances in diagnostics, and better reconstructive techniques have provided quicker recovery and better quality of life outcomes, with improved survival This article provides highlights of the current management of advanced pelvic cancers in terms of surgical strategy and potential future developments.

Pelvic exenteration, cytoreductive surgery, and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal surface malignancy: experience and outcomes from an exenterative and peritonectomy unit

PURPOSE

Pelvic exenteration (PE) for locally advanced pelvic malignancy is well established, though high rates of morbidity and mortality exist. Such a complication profile has often deterred the surgical community from offering exenteration in combination with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). We aimed to evaluate the perioperative outcomes following pelvic exenteration when combined with CRS and HIPEC for peritoneal surface malignancy (PSM) in a tertiary referral centre.

METHODS

A review of a prospectively maintained PSM database from June 2015 to December 2020 at a tertiary referral institution was performed. Patients who underwent CRS, PE, and HIPEC were matched with patients who underwent PE alone. Primary endpoints were perioperative morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

From June 2015 to December 2020, 20 patients required PE as part of their CRS and HIPEC for PSM. The majority of patients were female (n = 16, 80%) with a median age of 52 (range 21-70). Colorectal cancer was the predominant pathology (n = 12, 60%). Median PCI was 11.5 (range 3-39). CC0 and R0 resections were achieved in all patients. CRS, PE, and HIPEC and PE-alone groups were well matched for clinicopathological variables. There was no difference in perioperative major morbidity (HIPEC: 30% vs PE: 15% p = 0.256) and mortality (HIPEC: 0 vs PE: 5% p = 0.311) between groups. Median follow-up was 17.5 months (range 7-68). Eight patients (40%) died from disease-related issues during the study period.

CONCLUSION

An aggressive surgical strategy with complete resection is feasible and safe in select patients with complex PSM involving the pelvis.