Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted mesh pelvic closure for locally advanced and recurrent colorectal cancer

Extensive resection that may be required in locally advanced and recurrent colorectal cancer result in formation of empty pelvic cavity that has the potential to cause small bowel descent into the pelvis. In patients with prior history of radiotherapy and multiple abdominal surgery, the risk of adhesion and subsequent small bowel obstruction can lead to increasing need for surgery and its resulting morbidity and mortality. We present five cases of locally advanced and recurrent colorectal cancer requiring laparoscopic and robotic-assisted pelvic closure with Gore-Tex Dual Mesh as prevention of small bowel descent into the pelvis. One out of the five cases had a history of small bowel obstruction after the surgery and wound-related infection occurred in one patient. There was no mesh-related complication or mortality. Pelvic closure using Gore-Tex Dual Mesh is feasible to prevent small bowel descent after surgery for locally advanced and recurrent colorectal cancer.