Pelvic exenteration for recurrent or persistent gynecologic malignancies: Clinical and histopathologic factors predicting recurrence and survival in a modern cohort.

OBJECTIVES: To explore pre-operative factors and their impact on overall survival (OS) in a modern cohort of patients who underwent pelvic exenteration (PE) for gynecologic malignancies. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed for all patients who underwent a PE from 1/1/2010 through 12/31/2018 at our institution. Inclusion criteria were exenteration due to recurrent or progressive carcinoma of the uterus, cervix, vagina or vulva, with histologically confirmed complete surgical resection of the malignancy. Exclusion criteria included PE for palliation of symptoms without recurrence, and for ovarian or rare histologic malignancies. Univariable and multivariable analysis were performed to identify factors predicting prolonged survival. RESULTS: Overall, 71 patients met the inclusion criteria. Median age at time of exenteration was 62 years (range, 28-86 years). Vulvar cancer was the most common primary diagnosis (32%); 30% had cervical cancer; 23%, uterine cancer; 15%, vaginal cancer. Median OS was 55.1 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 36-not estimable) with a median follow-up time of 40.8 months (95% CI: 1-116.1). On univariable analysis, age > 62 years (hazard ratio (HR) 2.71, 95% CI 1.27-5.79), American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) 3-4 (HR: 3.41 (95% CI 1.03-11.29), and vulvar cancer (HR 4.19 (95% CI 1.17-14.96) predicted worse OS. Tumor size and prior progression-free interval (PFI) did not meet statistical significance in OS analyses. On multivariable analysis, there were no significant factors associated with worse OS. CONCLUSIONS: PE performed with curative intent may be considered a treatment option in well-counseled, carefully selected patients, irrespective of tumor size and PFI before exenteration.

Utilization and perioperative outcome of minimally invasive pelvic exenteration in gynecologic malignancies: A national study in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: To examine characteristics and short-term perioperative outcomes related to minimally invasive pelvic exenteration for gynecologic malignancy. METHODS: This comparative effectiveness study is a retrospective population-based analysis of the National Inpatient Sample from 10/2008-9/2015. Women with cervical, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar malignancies who underwent pelvic exenteration were evaluated based on the use of laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery. Patient demographics and intraoperative/postoperative complications related to a minimally invasive surgical approach were assessed. RESULTS: Among 1376 women who underwent pelvic exenteration, 49 (3.6%) had the procedure performed via a minimally invasive approach. The majority of minimally invasive cases were robotic-assisted (51.0%). Women in the minimally invasive group were more likely to be old, white, have cervical/uterine cancers, and receive urinary diversion, but less frequently received vaginal reconstruction or colostomy when compared to those in the open surgery group (P < 0.05). Overall perioperative complication rates were similar between the minimally invasive and open surgery groups (79.6% versus 77.7%, P = 0.862), but the minimally invasive group had a decreased risk of high-risk complications compared to the open surgery group (adjusted-odds ratio 0.19, 95% confidence interval 0.07-0.51). Specifically, a minimally invasive approach was associated with decreased incidence of sepsis and thromboembolism compared to an open approach (P < 0.05). The minimally invasive group had a shorter length of stay (median, 9 versus 14 days) and lower total charge (median, $127,875 versus $208,591) compared to the open surgery group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Laparotomy remains the main surgical approach for pelvic exenteration for gynecologic malignancy and minimally invasive surgery was infrequently utilized during the study period in the United States. Before widely adopting this surgical approach, the utility and role of minimally invasive pelvic exenteration requires further investigation.

Sobrevida após exenteração pélvica em câncer de colo de útero recidivado: uma série de cinco casos / Survival after pelvic exenteration in recurrent cervical cancer: a series of five cases

A exenteração pélvica pode curar pacientes com câncer de colo do útero com recorrência central após radioterapia e quimioterapia. A avaliação pré-operatória é essencial para excluir doença metastática e evitar cirurgias desnecessárias nesse cenário. O objetivo do presente estudo é avaliar a sobrevida de uma série de casos de pacientes submetidas à exenteração pélvica em clínica privada de Teresina. Este é o resultado parcial de um estudo observacional, retrospectivo, transversal e descritivo, realizado em uma clínica privada especializada no tratamento do câncer em Teresina, PI, Brasil, de junho de 2002 a fevereiro de 2020. Cinco pacientes foram incluídas no estudo, com idades entre 29 e 62 anos. No presente estudo, a sobrevida mediana foi de 44,8 meses. Duas pacientes estão vivas e sem doença com seguimento de 201 e 5 meses, respectivamente.(AU)

Pelvic exenteration can heal patients with cervical cancer with central recurrence after radiotherapy and / or chemotherapy. Preoperative evaluation is essential to exclude metastatic disease and to avoid unnecessary surgery in this scenario. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the survival of a series of cases of patients submitted to pelvic exenteration in a private clinic in Teresina. This is the partial result of an observational, retrospective, cross-sectional and descriptive study, conducted at a private clinic specialized in cancer treatment in Teresina, Brazil, from June 2002 to February 2020. Five patients were included in the study, aged between 29 and 62 years. In the present study, the median survival was 44,8 months. Two patients are alive and without disease with a follow-up of 201 and 5 months, respectively.(AU)

Double barreled wet colostomy. Case report and description of the surgical technique / Colostomia úmida em dupla-boca. Relato de caso e descrição da técnicacirúrgica

ABSTRACT Pelvic exenteration has showed to be beneficial therapeutically and palliatively in locally advanced colorectal cancer. Reconstruction of urinary transit posterior to a cystectomy has always been challenging with many associated complications. We present a 58-year-old male with locally advanced rectal cancer in which a pelvic exenteration and a double-barreled wet colostomy (DBWC) was created for urinary reconstitution. We present the surgical technique of DBWC. DBWC is a good alternative to other urinary reconstructions because fecal and urinary derivation occurs in only one stoma, the stoma output is easier to manage, and fewer complications are seen compared to other urinary reconstructions. Long-term surveillance is mandatory in patients with a DBWC because there is an increased risk of neoplasm in the reservoir.

RESUMO A exenteração pélvica mostrou-se benéfica, tanto terapêutica quanto paliativamente, em casos de câncer colorretal localmente avançado. A reconstrução do trânsito urinário após uma cistectomia sempre foi desafiadora, com muitas complicações associadas. Os autores apresentam o caso de um homem de 58 anos de idade com câncer retal localmente avançado, submetido a uma exenteração pélvica e uma colostomia úmida em dupla-boca (CUDB) para reconstituição urinária. Os autores apresentam a técnica cirúrgica da CUDB, uma boa alternativa para outras reconstruções urinárias, já que a derivação fecal e urinária ocorre em apenas um estoma, a saída do estoma é mais fácil de gerenciar e o método apresenta menos complicações em comparação com outras reconstruções urinárias. A vigilância a longo prazo é obrigatória em pacientes com CUDB, pois há um risco aumentado de neoplasia no reservatório.

Comparison of postoperative complications and quality of life between patients undergoing continent versus non-continent urinary diversion after pelvic exenteration for gynecologic malignancies.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic exenteration and its reconstructive techniques have been associated with high postoperative morbidity and a negative impact on patient quality of life. The aim of our study was to compare postoperative complications and quality of life in patients undergoing continent compared with non-continent urinary diversion after pelvic exenteration for gynecologic malignancies. METHODS: We designed a multicenter study of patients from 10 centers who underwent an anterior or total pelvic exenteration with urinary reconstruction for histologically confirmed persistent or recurrent gynecologic malignancy after previous treatment with radiotherapy. From January 2005 to September 2008, we included patients retrospectively, and from September 2008 to May 2009, patients were included prospectively which allowed collection of quality of life data. Demographic, surgical, and follow-up data were analyzed. Postoperative complications were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Quality of life was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)-QLQ-C30 (V.3.0) and EORTC-QLQ-OV28 quality of life questionnaires. We compared patients who underwent a continent urinary diversion with those who underwent a non-continent reconstruction. RESULTS: We included 148 patients, 92 retrospectively and 56 prospectively. Among them, 77.4% had recurrent disease and 22.6% persistent disease after the primary treatment. In 70 patients, a urinary continent diversion was performed, and 78 patients underwent a non-continent diversion. Median age of the continent and incontinent groups was 53.5 (range 33-78) years and 57 (26-79) years, respectively. There were no significant differences between the continent and non-continent groups in median length of hospitalization (28.5 vs 26 days, P=0.19), postoperative grade III-IV complications (42.9% vs 42.3%, P=0.95), complications needing surgical (27.9% vs 34.6%, P=0.39) or radiological (14.7% vs 12.8%, P=0.74) intervention, and complication type (digestive (23.2% vs 16.7%, P=0.32) and urinary (15.9% vs 16.7%, P=0.91)). There were no significant differences between the groups in global health, global quality of life, and body image perception scores 1 year after surgery. CONCLUSION: Continent and incontinent urinary reconstructions are equivalent in terms of postoperative complications and quality of life scores.

Changing outcomes following pelvic exenteration for locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancer.

Background: Pelvic exenteration for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) and locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) is technically challenging but increasingly performed in specialist centres. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of exenteration over time. Methods: This was a multicentre retrospective study of patients who underwent exenteration for LARC and LRRC between 2004 and 2015. Surgical outcomes, including rate of bone resection, flap reconstruction, margin status and transfusion rates, were examined. Outcomes between higher- and lower-volume centres were also evaluated. Results: Some 2472 patients underwent pelvic exenteration for LARC and LRRC across 26 institutions. For LARC, rates of bone resection or flap reconstruction increased from 2004 to 2015, from 3·5 to 12·8 per cent, and from 12·0 to 29·4 per cent respectively. Fewer units of intraoperative blood were transfused over this interval (median 4 to 2 units; P = 0·040). Subgroup analysis showed that bone resection and flap reconstruction rates increased in lower- and higher-volume centres. R0 resection rates significantly increased in low-volume centres but not in high-volume centres over time (low-volume: from 62·5 to 80·0 per cent, P = 0·001; high-volume: from 83·5 to 88·4 per cent, P = 0·660). For LRRC, no significant trends over time were observed for bone resection or flap reconstruction rates. The median number of units of intraoperative blood transfused decreased from 5 to 2·5 units (P < 0·001). R0 resection rates did not increase in either low-volume (from 51·7 to 60·4 per cent; P = 0·610) or higher-volume (from 48·6 to 65·5 per cent; P = 0·100) centres. No significant differences in length of hospital stay, 30-day complication, reintervention or mortality rates were observed over time. Conclusion: Radical resection, bone resection and flap reconstruction rates were performed more frequently over time, while transfusion requirements decreased.

Performance and outcome of pelvic exenteration for gynecologic malignancies: A population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine changes in performance and outcomes of pelvic exenteration for gynecologic malignancies. METHODS: This is a population-based retrospective study examining the Nationwide Inpatient Sample between 2001 and 2015. Women with cervical, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar malignancies who underwent pelvic exenteration were examined. Comorbidity, perioperative complications, total charges, length of stay, and mortality were assessed. RESULTS: There were 2647 cases included. Cervical cancer was the most common malignancy (45.1%), followed by vaginal cancer (27.6%). 26.9% of women had a Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥3, which significantly increased from 23.3% in 2001-2005 to 33.3% in 2011-2015 (42.9% relative increase, P < 0.001). Obese women undergoing exenteration increased significantly from 4.5% in 2001-2005 to 19.4% in 2011-2015 (3.3-fold relative increase, P < 0.001). The perioperative complication rate was 68.1%, including 38.7% with multiple complications. The mortality rate was 1.9%. The number of women with multiple perioperative complications increased from 29.4% in 2001-2005 to 52.8% in 2011-2015 (78.6% relative increase, P < 0.001). More recent year of surgery, obesity, higher comorbidity, higher household income, surgery at large bedsize hospital, urinary diversion, vaginal reconstruction, and vulvar cancer were associated with an increased risk of multiple complications on multivariable analysis (all, P < 0.05). Median length of stay was 14 (IQR 9-21) days, and the number of women hospitalized ≥28 days significantly increased from 12.6% in 2001-2005 to 19.1% in 2011-2015 (51.6% relative increase, P < 0.001). The median corrected total charges increased from $121,854 to $185,100 between 2001 and 2015 (net difference +$63,246, 51.9% relative increase, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Women undergoing pelvic exenteration for gynecologic malignancies became more obese and comorbid during the study period. Pelvic exenteration for women with gynecologic malignancies is associated with high morbidity and mortality as well as substantial treatment-related costs.

Population-based study of surgical treatment with and without tumour resection in patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Population-based studies of treatment of locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) are lacking. The aim was to investigate the surgical treatment of patients with LRRC at a national population-based level. METHODS: All patients undergoing abdominal resection for primary rectal cancer between 1995 and 2002 in Sweden with LRRC as a first event were included. Detailed information about treatment, complications and outcomes was collected from the medical records. The patients were analysed in three groups: patients who had resection of the LRRC, those treated without tumour resection and patients who received best supportive care only. RESULTS: In all, 426 patients were included in the study. Of these, 149 (35·0 per cent) underwent tumour resection, 193 (45·3 per cent) had treatment without tumour resection and 84 (19·7 per cent) received best supportive care. Abdominoperineal resection was the most frequent surgical procedure, performed in 65 patients (43·6 per cent of those who had tumour resection). Thirteen patients had total pelvic exenteration. In total, 63·8 per cent of those whose tumour was resected had potentially curative surgery. After tumour resection, 62 patients (41·6 per cent) had a complication within 30 days. Patients who received surgical treatment without tumour resection had a lower complication rate but a significantly higher 30-day mortality rate than those who underwent tumour resection (10 versus 1·3 per cent respectively; P = 0·002). Of all patients included in the study, 22·3 per cent had potentially curative treatment and the 3-year survival rate for these patients was 56 per cent. CONCLUSION: LRRC is a serious condition with overall poor outcome. Patients undergoing curative surgery have an acceptable survival rate but substantial morbidity. There is room for improvement in the management of patients with LRRC.

The influence of surgeon volume on outcomes after pelvic exenteration for a gynecologic cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of surgeon experience on intraoperative, postoperative and long-term outcomes among patients undergoing pelvic exenteration for gynecologic cancer. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of all women who underwent exenteration for a gynecologic malignancy at MD Anderson Cancer Center, between January 1993 and June 2013. A logistic regression was used to model the relationship between surgeon experience (measured as the number of exenteration cases performed by the surgeon prior to a given exenteration) and operative outcomes and postoperative complications. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to model survival outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 167 exenterations were performed by 19 surgeons for cervix (78, 46.7%), vaginal (43, 25.8%), uterine (24, 14.4%), vulvar (14, 8.4%) and other cancer (8, 4.7%). The most common procedure was total pelvic exenteration (69.4%), incontinent urinary diversion (63.5%) and vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous reconstruction (42.5%). Surgical experience was associated with decreased estimated blood loss (p<0.001), intraoperative transfusion (p=0.009) and a shorter length of stay (p=0.03). No difference was noted in the postoperative complication rate (p=0.12-0.95). More surgeon experience was not associated with overall or disease specific survival: OS (hazard ratio [HR]=1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.97-1.06; p=0.46) and DSS (HR=1.01; 95% CI=0.97-1.04; p=0.66), respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing exenteration by more experienced surgeons had improvement in intraoperative factors such as estimated blood loss, transfusion rates and length of stay. No difference was seen in postoperative complication rates, overall or disease specific survival.

Extended pelvic resection for rectal and anal canal tumors is a significant risk factor for perineal wound infection: a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Perineal wound infection (PWI) rates are high after abdominoperineal resection (APR) and total pelvic exenteration (TPE). This study identified risk factors for PWI after surgery for anorectal tumors and examined the relationship between the surgical excision volume with the PWI degree. METHODS: A retrospective review involving 135 patients who underwent surgical excision of anorectal tumors was performed. Superficial PWI included cellulitis and superficial dehiscence; deep PWI included major dehiscence, perineal abscess, and presacral abscess. The adjacent organ resection type was classified according to the dead space size formed by surgical excision. RESULTS: Of the 135 patients, 119 underwent APR, and 16 underwent TPE. PWI occurred in 75 patients (superficial PWI, 44; deep PWI, 31). Adjacent organ resection was an independent risk factor for PWI. The cases with adjacent organ resection were classified into small-defect APR, large-defect APR, and TPE. Large-defect APR and TPE cases had significantly higher rates of deep PWI than APR cases without adjacent organ resection. CONCLUSIONS: Adjacent organ resection involving the removal of one or more organs and that involving wide-range muscle resection are strong risk factors for deep PWI.

Factors Predictive of 90-Day Morbidity, Readmission, and Costs in Patients Undergoing Pelvic Exenteration.

OBJECTIVE: Pelvic exenteration for recurrent gynecological malignancies is characterized by a high rate of severe complications. Factors predictive of morbidity, readmission, and cost were analyzed. METHODS: Data of consecutive patients undergoing pelvic exenteration between January 2007 and December 2016 were prospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients were included in the analysis. Anterior, posterior, and total exenterations were executed in 39 (67%), 9 (16%), and 10 (17%) patients, respectively. Ten (15.5%) severe complications occurred: 8 (20.5%), 0 (0%), and 1 (10%) after anterior, posterior, and total exenterations, respectively. Radiotherapy dosage, time between radiotherapy and surgery, and previous administration of chemotherapy did not influence 90-day complications and readmission. At multivariable analysis, albumin levels less than 3.5 g/dL (odds ratio, 16.2 [95% confidence interval, 2.85-92.8]; P = 0.002) and history of deep vein thrombosis (odds ratio, 9.6 [95% confidence interval, 0.93-98.2]; P = 0.057) were associated with 90-day morbidity. Low albumin levels independently correlated with readmission (P = 0.011). The occurrence of 90-day postoperative complications and readmission increased costs of a median of +12,500 and +6000 euros, respectively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative patient selection is a key point for the reduction of postoperative complications after pelvic exenteration. Further prospective studies are warranted to improve patient selection.

Quality of Life in Women After Pelvic Exenteration for Gynecological Malignancies: A Multicentric Study.

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective, multicentric study investigates quality-of-life issues and emotional distress in gynecological cancer survivors submitted to pelvic exenteration (PE). METHODS: The Global Health Status scale of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30; the EORTC QLQ-CX24 (CX24), and EORTC QLQ-OV28 questionnaires were administered at least 12 months from surgery only in women with no evidence of further recurrence after PE. Statistical analysis was performed by the analysis of variance (for repeated measures. RESULTS: Ninety-six subjects affected by gynecological malignancies receiving PE were enrolled in the study. Anterior PE was performed in 47 patients (49%), posterior PE was performed in 29 cases (30.2%), and total PE performed in 20 women (20.8%). In 38 cases (39.6%), a definitive colostomy was performed. Urinary diversion with continent pouch was created in 11 patients. (11.5%), whereas in the remaining cases, a noncontinent pouch was reconstructed. Patients showed a significant discomfort in attitude to disease (71.5 ± 4.7), body image (48.9 ± 6.4), financial difficulties (56.2 ± 5.8), gastrointestinal symptoms (constipation, 47.8 ± 5.1; diarrhea, 62.4 ± 6.6; appetite loss, 43.6 ± 6.7), insomnia (64.5 ± 6.6), Global Health Status (64.6 ± 3.8), physical functioning (65.8 ± 4.6), role functioning (58.8 ± 5.8), and emotional functioning (67.4 ± 4.2). A higher number of ostomies (hazard rate [HR], 7.613; P = 0.012), the creation of a noncontinent bladder (HR, 8.230; P = 0.009), and of definitive colostomy (HR, 8.516; P = 0.008) emerged as independent predictors of poorer Global Health Status scores. Older age (HR, 11.235; P = 0.003), vaginal/vulvar cancer (HR, 7.369; P = 0.013), total/posterior PE (HR, 7.393; P = 0.013), higher number of ostomies (HR, 7.613; P = 0.012), the creation of a noncontinent bladder (HR, 8.230; P = 0.009), and of definitive colostomy (HR, 8.516; P = 0.008) emerged as independent predictors of lower body image levels. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term psycho-oncological support is strongly recommended. The reduction of ostomies seems the most effective way to improve patients' quality of life.

Pelvic exenteration for gynecologic malignancies: Postoperative complications and oncologic outcomes. / Exenteración pélvica para neoplasias ginecológicas: Complicaciones postoperatorias y resultados oncológicos.

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.

The Impact of Tumour Distance From the Anal Verge on Clinical Management and Outcomes in Patients Having a Curative Resection for Rectal Cancer.

AIM: The clinico-oncological significance of the distance of rectal cancer from the anal verge is unclear and not well reported. The aim of this study is to assess the influence of the rectal cancer distance from the anal verge on clinical management and long-term outcomes after curative resection in a specialised colorectal cancer unit. METHODS: Prospectively collected data on patients who underwent primary rectal cancer treatment at our unit between January 2005 and December 2010 were analysed. Low rectal cancer (LRC) was defined as tumour < 5 cm from the anal verge on MRI scan. Recurrent cancer, palliative resections, perforated tumours and those requiring total pelvic exenteration were excluded. RESULTS: Three hundred fifty-nine patients underwent surgery for rectal cancer (226 male/133 female). Of these, 149 (41.5%) patients had low rectal cancer (LRC). Compared to patients with mid/upper rectal cancer (M/URC), patients with low rectal cancers were significantly more likely to receive neo-adjuvant therapy (75.2 vs 38%; p < 0.001), to be associated with lower rate of restorative surgery (15.4 vs 79%; p < 0.001) and to have higher rates of pathological positive circumferential resection margin involvement (14.1 vs 7.1%; p = 0.047). There were however no significant difference in the rates of recurrent disease or survival among the two groups. CONCLUSION: Distance of rectal cancer from the anal verge does influence the use of neo-adjuvant treatment and ultimate R0 resection rate. It does not influence loco-regional or systemic recurrence rates.

Influence of tumor size on outcomes following pelvic exenteration.

OBJECTIVE: Pelvic exenteration (PE) is often the only curative option for locally advanced or recurrent pelvic malignancies. Despite radical surgery, recurrence risk and morbidity remain high. In this study, we sought to determine tumor size effect on perioperative outcomes and subsequent survival in patients undergoing PE. METHODS: Retrospective chart review was performed for female patients who underwent PE at two comprehensive cancer centers from 2000 to 2015. Demographics, complications and outcomes were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square, student's t-test, logistic regression, non-parametric tests, log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazards. RESULTS: Of 151 women who underwent PE, 144 had available pathologic tumor size. Gynecologic oncology, surgical oncology, and urology performed 84, 29, and 31 exenterations, respectively. Tumor dimensions ranged from 0 to 25.5cm. Perioperative complications, 30-day mortality, reoperation, and readmission rates were not associated with tumor size. Obesity and prior radiation increased risk for major perioperative complication while anterior exenterations decreased risk. Larger tumors were more likely to undergo total pelvic exenteration (OR 1.14; 95%CI 1.03-1.27), have positive margins (OR 1.11; 95%CI 1.02-1.22), and recur (65%, 42% and 20% for tumors >4cm, ≤4cm and no residual tumor respectively, p=0.016). Tumor size >4cm and positive margins were associated with worse overall survival amongst gynecologic oncology patients. CONCLUSION: Tumor size was not associated with perioperative morbidity. Larger tumors were associated with positive margins, more extensive resection, and worse survival in gynecologic oncology patients. Larger studies are needed to further understand tumor size impact on PE outcomes within specific tumor types.

The selection process can improve the outcome in locally advanced and recurrent colorectal cancer: activity and results of a dedicated multidisciplinary colorectal cancer centre.

AIM: There is wide disparity in the care of patients with multivisceral involvement of rectal cancer. The results are presented of treatment of advanced and recurrent colorectal cancer from a centre where a dedicated multidisciplinary team (MDT) is central to the management. METHOD: All consecutive MDT referrals between 2010 and 2014 were examined. Analysis was undertaken of the referral pathway, site, selection process, management decision, R0 resection rate, mortality/morbidity/Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification of morbidity, length of stay (LOS) and improvement of quality of life. RESULTS: There were 954 referrals. These included locally advanced primary rectal cancer (LAPRC b-TME) (39.0%), rectal recurrence (RR) (22.0%), locally advanced primary colon cancer (LAPCC T3c/d-T4) (21.1%), colon cancer recurrence (CR) (12.4%), locally advanced primary anal cancer (LAPAC-failure of CRT/T3c/d-T4) (3.0%) and anal cancer recurrence (AR) (2.2%). Among these patients 271 operations were performed, 212 primary and 59 for recurrence. These included 16 sacrectomies, 134 total pelvic exenterations and 121 other multi-visceral exenterative procedures. An R0 resection (no microscopic margin involvement) was achieved in 94.4% and R1 (microscopic margin involvement) in 5.1%. In LAPRC b-TME the R0 rate was 96.1% and for RR it was 79%. The LOS varied from 13.3 to 19.9 days. RR operations had the highest morbidity (CD 1-2, 33.3%) and LAPRC operations had the highest rate of CD 3-4 complications (18.4%). Most (39.6%) of the referred patients were from other UK hospitals. CONCLUSION: Advanced colorectal cancer can be successfully treated in a dedicated referral centre, achieving R0 resection in over 90% with low morbidity and mortality. Implementation of a standardized referral pathway is encouraged.

Cystoprostatectomy versus prostatectomy alone for locally advanced or recurrent pelvic cancer.

BACKGROUND: There is minimal published data evaluating the oncological outcome of rectal resection with prostatectomy alone versus rectal resection with cystoprostatectomy in patients undergoing pelvic exenteration for locally advanced or recurrent pelvic cancer. This study aims to evaluate the oncological and functional outcomes of performing rectal resection with prostatectomy alone compared with rectal resection with cystoprostatectomy in patients undergoing pelvic exenteration. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing pelvic exenteration for locally advanced or recurrent pelvic cancer between 1998 and 2012 were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Patients undergoing rectal resection with prostatectomy alone were compared with a control group who underwent rectal resection with cystoprostatectomy and urostomy formation. The primary outcome was overall survival. Secondary outcomes analysed in the prostatectomy group included completeness of resection, continence and erectile function. RESULTS: Eleven rectal resections with prostatectomy were compared with 20 rectal resections with cystoprostatectomy. R0 resection was achieved in 73 and 65% respectively. There was no difference in overall survival (P = 0.40). Urinary continence was achieved in 36% of prostatectomy alone patients, while 27% experienced mild incontinence. Erectile function was poor, with only one patient able to maintain normal erections. CONCLUSION: In appropriately selected patients with invasive pelvic tumours, rectal resection with prostatectomy alone provides adequate oncological outcomes. The ability to achieve an R0 resection was not compromised and overall survival is comparable with cystoprostatectomy. Urinary function is reasonable in most patients, although sexual function is compromised in almost all.

The effect of neighborhood-level socioeconomic status on racial differences in ovarian cancer treatment in a population-based analysis in Chicago.

BACKGROUND: Less than half of women with ovarian cancer and blacks specifically receive therapy adherent to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines. The purpose is to assess the effect of neighborhood-level socioeconomic status (SES) on black-white treatment differences in a population-based analysis in a highly-segregated community. METHODS: Illinois State Cancer Registry data for invasive epithelial ovarian cancer cases diagnosed in Cook County, IL in non-Hispanic white (NHW) or black (NHB) women from 1998 to 2009 was analyzed. As few women receive NCCN-adherent care, variables were constructed to assess extent of treatment, including receipt of: 1) debulking surgery; 2) any surgery; 3) multi-agent chemotherapy; and 4) any chemotherapy. Two measures (concentrated affluence and disadvantage) were used to estimate neighborhood-level SES. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compute odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), with generalized linear mixed models to account for hierarchical data. RESULTS: 2766 (81.0%) NHW and 647 (19.0%) NHB women were diagnosed. Adjusting for covariates, NHB were less likely to receive debulking surgery (OR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.30-0.50), any surgery (OR: 0.38; 95%CI: 0.29-0.49), multi-agent chemotherapy (OR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.45-0.71) and any chemotherapy (OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.45-0.74). Concentrated affluence but not disadvantage was significant in final models for multi-agent and any chemotherapy, but not debulking or any surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Results identify black-white differences consistent across treatments that persist despite adjustment for neighborhood-level SES. IMPACT: Results advance inequality awareness beyond "ideal" NCCN-adherent care, indicating inequality exists in delivery of even the most basic oncologic care.

Initial experience of robotic anterior pelvic exenteration at a single institute.

OBJECTIVE: To present the initial experience with robotic anterior pelvic exenteration in patients with advanced pelvic cancer at Galaxy Care Laparoscopy Institute, Pune, India. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of data from 10 patients with advanced cervical carcinoma and bladder involvement or with vault recurrence following hysterectomy who were treated at the study hospital between November 2009 and May 2011. Clinicopathologic data and postoperative data including operative time, blood loss, blood transfusions, hospital stay, lymph node yield, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 180 minutes, the mean blood loss was 110mL, and the mean duration of hospital stay was 5 days. There were no treatment-related morbidities or mortalities. A mean parametrial clearance of 3cm with a distal vaginal margin of 3.5cm was achieved. All patients had tumor-free margins. The mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 24. Six patients had positive lymph nodes on pathologic examination and were treated with chemoradiotherapy. At a median follow-up of 11 months, 8 patients were disease-free. CONCLUSION: Robot-assisted anterior pelvic exenteration had favorable operative, pathologic, and short-term clinical outcomes. A large multicenter study is required to confirm the results.

Role of preoperative MR imaging in the evaluation of patients with persistent or recurrent gynaecological malignancies before pelvic exenteration.

PURPOSE: To determine the diagnostic performance of MRI in assessing local tumour extent and evaluate associations between MRI features and survival in patients undergoing MRI before pelvic exenteration for persistent or recurrent gynaecological cancers. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The study included 50 patients with persistent or recurrent gynaecological malignancies who underwent pelvic exenteration between January 1999 and December 2011 and had MRI at most 90 days before surgery. Two radiologists independently assessed invasion of adjacent organs (on a 5-point scale). Diagnostic accuracy, inter-reader agreement, and associations between organ invasion on MRI and patient survival were evaluated. RESULTS: Areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) for invasion of the bladder, rectum and pelvic sidewall were 0.96, 0.90 and 0.98 for reader 1 and 0.95, 0.88 and 0.90 for reader 2. Corresponding sensitivities/specificities were 87.0 %/92.6 %, 81.3 %/97.0 % and 87.5 %/97.2 % for reader 1, and 87.0 %/100.0 %, 75.0 %/97.0 % and 75.0 %/94.4 % for reader 2. Inter-reader agreement was excellent for organ invasion (κ = 0.81-0.85). Pelvic sidewall invasion on MRI was associated with overall and recurrence-free survival (P = 0.01-0.04 for the two readers). CONCLUSION: Preoperative MRI is accurate in predicting organ invasion. It may guide surgical planning and serve as a predictive biomarker in patients undergoing pelvic exenteration for gynaecological malignancies. KEY POINTS: • MRI can accurately assess bladder and rectal wall invasion before major surgery. • MRI identifies patients requiring extended pelvic exenteration by detecting sidewall invasion. • Inter-reader agreement for detecting organ invasion and tumor size is excellent. • Pelvic sidewall invasion on MRI is associated with shorter overall and recurrence-free survival.