Pelvic Exenteration

Pelvic Exenteration

Pelvic exenteration is one of the most complex operations in surgical oncology. It is considered when cancer in the pelvis (such as advanced rectal, bladder, or gynecological cancers) has spread beyond a single organ but is still confined to the pelvic area.

What it involves

The operation removes the affected organ(s) together with surrounding structures that are involved with the cancer. Depending on the case, this may include the rectum, bladder, reproductive organs, and parts of the lower bowel. In many cases, reconstruction is carried out during the same surgery to restore function and quality of life.

Why it matters

For selected patients with locally advanced or recurrent cancers, pelvic exenteration offers the only chance of long-term survival or cure.

Benefits

Although it is a major surgery, outcomes have greatly improved in recent years thanks to better surgical techniques, preoperative planning, and enhanced recovery programs. Many patients who previously had no curative options can now achieve meaningful survival and even return to a good quality of life.

What to expect

Because of its complexity, pelvic exenteration requires a highly experienced multidisciplinary team. Recovery can be longer compared with other operations, often several weeks in hospital and months at home. Patients may need temporary or permanent stomas, but reconstruction and support are tailored to each individual.

Patient FAQ – Pelvic Exenteration

• Who is a candidate? Patients with advanced or recurrent cancers of the rectum, bladder, or reproductive organs, when the disease is limited to the pelvis and has not spread elsewhere.
• What are the risks? As a major operation, risks include bleeding, infection, complications from stomas, and impact on urinary or sexual function. Careful preparation and follow-up help reduce these risks.
• How long is recovery? Hospital stay is usually 2–3 weeks, with full recovery taking several months. Long-term follow-up and rehabilitation are important parts of care.

Why These Treatments Matter

These treatments show how modern surgical oncology focuses not only on removing cancer but also on improving survival, lowering recurrence, and preserving function with quality of life where possible. By using specialised techniques such as HIPEC, CME and TME we can offer patients the most advanced surgical options available today. Each procedure is tailored to the patient’s type of cancer, overall health, and treatment goals, and is performed as part of a multidisciplinary cancer care team.

Take the Next Step in Your Care

Every patient’s cancer journey is unique. The right surgical treatment depends on the type of cancer, its stage, and your overall health. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and want to understand your surgical options, our team is here to help.


We provide expert consultations, second opinions, and advanced surgical care tailored to each individual.


Contact us today to arrange an appointment and explore the most effective treatment plan for you.