Pelvic Exenterative Surgery
Pelvic exenterative surgery is a radical procedure often required for advanced or recurrent gynecological cancers that have extensively spread within the pelvic region. This surgery becomes essential when other treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation, or less extensive surgeries, fail to control the disease or when cancer recurs. Common conditions leading to this surgery include:
- Cervical Cancer: In advanced stages or when recurrent, cervical cancer can spread to adjacent organs, necessitating extensive surgical intervention.
- Uterine Cancer: Aggressive or recurrent uterine cancer that involves the bladder, rectum, or other pelvic structures.
- Vaginal and Vulvar Cancer: These cancers can spread beyond the primary site to nearby organs.
- Other Pelvic Malignancies: Cancers such as colorectal cancer that spread to the pelvic region and require extensive removal of affected tissues
Treatment: Dr. Deepak Bose specializes in pelvic exenterative surgery, a complex and extensive procedure aimed at removing all cancerous tissues from the pelvic area. The surgery may involve:
- Total Pelvic Exenteration: This involves the removal of the bladder, rectum, reproductive organs (uterus, cervix, vagina, ovaries), and adjacent lymph nodes. It’s performed when cancer has spread to both the urinary and digestive systems.
- Anterior Exenteration: This procedure removes the bladder, reproductive organs, and parts of the urethra and ureters, indicated when cancer is confined to the front portion of the pelvic cavity.
- Posterior Exenteration: This involves the removal of the rectum and reproductive organs, used when cancer affects the back portion of the pelvic cavity.
Reconstructive Surgery: Post-exenteration, Dr. Bose performs reconstructive surgery to restore function and appearance. This includes creating new pathways for urine and feces through urostomy and colostomy, and reconstructing the vagina if it has been removed.
Recovery and Care: Recovery from pelvic exenterative surgery is intensive, requiring a multidisciplinary approach. Dr. Bose ensures that post-operative care focuses on managing pain, preventing infection, and facilitating physical and emotional recovery. Patients typically stay in the hospital for several weeks, followed by a prolonged rehabilitation period.
Outcome: Pelvic exenterative surgery offers the potential for a cure or significant life extension for patients with otherwise untreatable pelvic cancers. Despite its complexity and impact on quality of life, it remains a vital option for patients with advanced gynecological malignancies. Dr. Deepak Bose’s expertise in performing this surgery ensures comprehensive, high-quality care tailored to each patient’s specific needs.
