Pelvic exenteration

Pelvic exenteration may be considered for recurrent disease following pelvic radiotherapy. It involves removal of the pelvic viscera including the uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina, bladder and rectum. Depending upon the site and extent of the tumour, the rectum may be spared - anterior exenteration - or the bladder spared - posterior exenteration.

It is a major operation but is becoming less popular as improvements in chemotherapy for such patients continue.