Laparoscopic Posterior Pelvic Exenteration (Complete and Supralevator) for Locally Advanced Adenocarcinoma of the Rectum in Females: Surgical Technique and Short-Term Outcomes.

Abstract

Background: Laparoscopic posterior exenteration (total and supralevator) is a complex and rarely done procedure. In this study we describe the surgical technique and short-term perioperative outcomes in 7 female patients of locally advanced carcinoma rectum operated with laparoscopic pelvic exenteration. Materials and Methods: We report 7 cases of carcinoma rectum involving either posterior wall of the uterus or vagina, which were operated with a laparoscopic procedure. All perioperative and intraoperative data were collected retrospectively from prospectively maintained electronic data. Results: Nine female patients with the diagnosis of nonmetastatic locally advanced lower rectal adenocarcinoma were selected. In MRI 4 patients had uterus-cervix involvement and 3 patients had a posterior vaginal wall and anal sphincter involvement. Four patients were operated with laparoscopic supralevator posterior exenteration and 3 patients were operated with laparoscopic complete posterior exenteration. Three patients underwent vaginal reconstruction, which was done with bilateral V-Y plasty. All 7 patients received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACTRT), 3 patients also received additional chemotherapy (CAPOX regimen) due to poor response to NACTRT. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 23.85 (range 19-27.20). Mean duration for complete posterior exenteration was 9.63 hours (range 7-12 hours). Mean duration for supralevator posterior exenteration was 6.81 hours (range 6.25-7.5 hours). The mean postoperative stay was 10.71 days (range 7-16 days). Mean blood loss was 700\u2009mL (range 200-1800\u2009mL). On postoperative histopathology, all margins were free of tumor in all cases. Conclusion: Laparoscopic approach for locally advanced carcinoma rectum in female patients is feasible with less morbidity and safe short-term oncological outcomes. Careful selection of patients based on MRI is a must before undertaking the minimally invasive surgery approach. Long-term outcomes are still unknown and will require long-term follow-up.