A Consideration for the Surgical Approach in Laparoscopic Total Pelvic Exenteration after Radiotherapy : A Case Report

A 66-year-old woman underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for stage IIA cervical cancer. However, two recurrent masses were detected at the vaginal stump 6 years after CCRT, and we performed laparoscopic total pelvic exenteration to obtain a complete cure. Because the terminal ileum appeared white secondary to the effects of radiotherapy, we constructed an ileal conduit using the ileum, approximately 40 cm toward the mouth from the ileocecum. We performed transperineal resection of the vagina and urethra and intersphincteric resection as anal-preservation surgery along with transverse colostomy. We used a right short gracilis myocutaneous flap to reconstruct the pelvic floor and perineum. The operation time was 816 min, and the estimated blood loss was 1,168 ml. On histopathological examination of the resected specimen, the parauterine tissue showed a positive surgical margin. Patients with recurrent cervical cancer after CCRT show poor prognosis. Complete resection with a negative margin is associated with more favorable prognosis in patients with recurrent pelvic masses. Compared with an open procedure, laparoscopic pelvic exenteration is safe and feasible in these patients. Selection of an optimal surgical approach, urinary diversion, and pelvic floor reconstruction is important for complete resection and prevention of perioperative complications.