exenteráció

Exenteráció is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of organs from a body cavity. In the context of pelvic exenteration, it is a radical surgical operation that removes all pelvic organs, including the bladder, rectum, uterus, cervix, vagina, and ovaries, in a single procedure. This extensive surgery is typically performed to treat advanced or recurrent pelvic cancers, such as cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, rectal cancer, or bladder cancer, that have spread to multiple pelvic organs or are not amenable to less invasive treatments.

The decision to perform a pelvic exenteration is a complex one, made after thorough evaluation of the patient's overall health, the extent of the cancer, and the potential benefits and risks of the surgery. The procedure is highly invasive and carries significant risks, including infection, bleeding, blood clots, and damage to surrounding structures. Recovery is often prolonged and may require a lengthy hospital stay.

Following a pelvic exenteration, patients often require reconstructive surgery to restore bodily functions, such as urine diversion (urostomy) and fecal diversion (colostomy). The psychological and social impact of such a life-altering surgery is also substantial, and patients often benefit from extensive support services. While a challenging procedure, pelvic exenteration can offer a chance for cure or significant palliation for patients with otherwise incurable pelvic cancers.