Quality of life after pelvic exenteration

Objectives. Pelvic exenteration, for gynecological and urological cancer, is an extensive and mutilating procedure. The 5-year survival rate is fairly good (40–60%), but little is known about the long-term quality of life. Methods. In this retrospective cohort study, the quality of life was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 (version 3.0) and the EORTC QLQ-OV28 questionnaires. Results. Healthy females and those who underwent pelvic exenteration for a gynecological or urological malignancy reported comparable levels of emotional functioning and general quality of life. More physical, sexual, and social problems were, however, noted after exenteration. Younger patients and patients who underwent total pelvic exenteration had the most difficulty in adapting to daily life, disease, and treatment. They also had a worse body image, and the influence of the operation on their sex life was greater compared to other patient groups of this study. Conclusion. Despite the immense effect of pelvic exenteration on physical, sexual, and social functioning, women who underwent this procedure reported similar levels of emotional functioning and general quality of life compared to healthy women. Adaptation and the mechanism of response shift presumably play an important role.