Control of pelvic cancer with hyperthermic isolation-perfusion

Eight patients with refractory pelvic cancer were treated with a technique of hyperthermic pelvic isolation-perfusion (rectosigmoid colon 7, bladder 1). The procedure was successful in achieving regional hyperthermia in all patients. All five patients experiencing severe pelvic pain prior to surgery had resolution of pain, although in one patient this relief was transient. Five patients had additional intraabdominal procedures at the time of laparotomy to control unsuspected foci of recurrent cancer. There were no operative deaths. Five complications occurred in four patients although only one was considered life threatening (fracture of aorta at the time of cross-clamping). Sloughing of necrotic tumor occurred between 1 and 2 weeks postperfusion and at times was dramatic. The efficacy of this technique is impressive and it is suggested that it be utilized earlier in the course of disease in patients with uncontrolled pelvic cancer.