The multidisciplinary team approach to exenteration of the pelvis

The experience of a newly formed, multidisciplinary, pelvic exenteration team is presented which consists of a gynecologic oncologist, a general surgeon and a urologist. The first 20 exenterations performed by this team are reviewed. Nine patients had no postoperative problems, and of the 11 patients who did have complications, all but two, which resulted in death, were corrected without resultant debilitation. Fourteen of the 18 patients who survived the operation are tumor-free for as long as three years postoperatively. Operative proficiency as well as operative mortality and morbidity have certainly improved quite significantly as the team has gained experience.