Using Bakri balloon as a visceral replacement for occupying pelvic cavity in pelvic exenteration, a case report

Total pelvic exenteration is the choice treatment for locally advanced or recurrent cervical cancers. However, the procedure is usually associated with serious complications. One of the most common complications is "empty pelvic syndrome". In this case report, we described a novel method to investigate its efficacy in prevention of empty pelvic syndrome.

A 51-year-old woman presented with recurrent cervical cancer underwent TPE after chemoradiotherapy. After removing the organs of the pelvic cavity, a silicone-made Bakri balloon was placed in there through the laparotomy incision. The balloon was removed 5 days later through the vaginal canal. She was followed for 6 months after the surgery and did not experience neither complications nor the recurrence of the cervical cancer.

We intended to use a novel technique by placing a Bakri balloon in the pelvic cavity after the total pelvic exenteration. The silicone-made balloon creates an appropriate physical barrier to support colon and small intestine loops and other pelvic contents.

Bakri balloon, which has been used to control the post-partum hemorrhage, can be a useful tool to provide a physical barrier to prevent the descending of intestinal loops and a breeding ground for reconstruction of the pelvic floor.