Laparoscopic total pelvic exenteration for cervical cancer relapse

Background. Laparoscopy classically reduces morbidity and invasiveness. To decrease the operative morbidity associated with exenteration, we considered the possibility of performing a total pelvic exenteration by the laparoscopic approach. Case. A 34-year-old woman presented with a cervical cancer relapse. The bladder, uterus, vagina, ovaries, and rectum were mobilized en bloc from the pelvic sidewall. We used vascular endoscopic staplers for the control of sigmoid vessels and anterior branches of internal iliac vessels. The specimen was removed through the Vulva. A colo-anal anastomosis and an ileal-loop conduit for urinary tract diversion were made. The operative time was 9 h. The postoperative course was uneventful. Specimen margins were free of disease. Conclusion. With laparoscopic surgical knowledge and new endoscopic staplers, laparoscopic pelvic exenteration procedure is feasible. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.