Exenterative pelvic surgery--eleven year experience of the Swansea Pelvic Oncology Group.

Aims: To review indications for surgery and outcomes of patients with complex locally advanced pelvic malignancies treated by a multidisciplinary Pelvic Oncology Group.
Patients and Methods: Between March 1992 and March 2003, 130 patients were jointly assessed in a monthly clinic involving urological, gynaecological, colorectal and plastic surgeons, an oncologist and nurse specialists. Seventy-six patients proceeded to exenterative surgery.
Results: Rectal carcinoma and gynaecological cancers were the two most common indications for surgery. Median follow-up was 14 months (range 1-120 months). There were no deaths within 30 days of surgery. The morbidity rate was 28%. Predicted 5 years survival was 53% in cases with clear histological margins and no lymph node metastasis.
Conclusion: With careful patient selection and multi specialty care pelvic exenteration is a safe and effective option in the treatment of complex locally advanced pelvic malignancy.