Pelvic exenteration for carcinoma of the cervix: analysis of 252 cases

We present the results of 252 pelvic exenterations for primary and recurrent carcinoma of the cervix at the Hospital General de Mexico, a tertiary-care institution for the indigent. Emphasis is placed on the morbidity and mortality of the procedure in relation to patient selection. In underdeveloped countries, where early detection of cervical cancer is a rare event, pelvic exenteration must continue in the armamentarium of physicians; it can be associated with gains in the quality of life, with long-term survival, with effective rehabilitation, and possibly with cures.