Classic and Visceral-Sparing Complete Pelvic Peritonectomy for Peritoneal Surface Malignancies: A Video Demonstration...

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with or without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy has become standard for resectable peritoneal surface malignancies. CRS aims to achieve complete resection of macroscopic disease through peritonectomy procedures and visceral resections. The pelvis is very frequently involved in peritoneal malignancies, making surgical techniques that ensure complete tumor removal an essential part of CRS. This is best achieved through an en bloc pelvic peritonectomy, which frequently includes a hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy in women.

We created a video to review technical steps and exposure tips to achieve a complete cytoreduction of the pelvis in female patients with en bloc resection of the entire pelvic peritoneum, including the cul-de-sac, the uterus, and the adnexa, with ('classic pelvic peritonectomy') or without ('visceral-sparing pelvic peritonectomy') rectosigmoid resection. The creation of a protective ileostomy in classic pelvic peritonectomy is routine in many centers, while other centers advocate only selective and sparing use of ileostomy. In our center, protective ileostomy is used selectively and is therefore not included in the video.

In the first part of the video, we review the rationale, indications, and steps, while in the second part, we show a practical demonstration of both a classic and a visceral-sparing pelvic peritonectomy in female patients.

Complete pelvic peritonectomy can be achieved both with or without en bloc resection of the rectosigmoid colon. This technique is an essential part of CRS, and mastery of the technique can help the likelihood of achieving complete tumor removal in advanced or complex involvement of the pelvis.