Total pelvic exenteration for advanced carcinoma of the lower colon

Thirteen patients with advanced carcinoma of the lower colon and no evidence of extrapelvic metastasis were submitted to total pelvic exenteration. Nine of the 13 patients had ureteral urinary diversion by the ileal segment conduit. Three had colonic conduit bladder using the terminal portion of the descending colon. One patient had bilateral uretero colonic anastomosis. The operative mortality rate was 7.7%. Determinate 5-year survival rate of 38.5% was achieved. Histological examinations of the surgical specimen revealed associated abscesses adjacent to the tumor in six cases, although the cancer extended to the bowel wall and adhered to the surrounding structures in all specimens. Total pelvic exenteration assures a better quality of life, lessening of symptoms, disease control and, in selected patients, a cure.