Pelvic exenteration for locally advanced rectal cancer and associated outcomes in England between 1995 and 2016: Analysis of a national database

Aim The clinical burden of pelvic exenteration (PE) for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is nationally under‐reported. The widespread use of pelvic MRI since 2005 has increased the accuracy of local staging and awareness of the need for ‘beyond TME (total mesorectal excision)’ surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the volume of patients undergoing PE within England, which factors affected survival outcomes and whether the use of MRI has influenced these outcomes. Method The volume of patients undergoing PE and associated survival outcomes across England between 1995 and 2016 was evaluated from Public Health England Hospital Episode Statistics data. Results A total of 2996 patients were recorded as undergoing PE. The 5‐year overall survival rate improved after 2005 compared with prior to 2005 (61.7% vs. 37%, p