Robotic total pelvic exenteration – a video vignette

Abstract

Total pelvic exenteration is a radical operation which involves en bloc multi visceral resection of pelvic structures including bladder, rectum, sigmoid colon and the reproductive organs. It is commonly used in gnacological cancer surgery however indications extend to recurrent rectal cancer surgery including primary advanced and recurrent cancers. The operation is challenging and radical in its nature and requires Multiple surgical specialties operating at the same time including colorectal surgeons, gynaecologist, urologist and sometimes plastic surgeons as well. Careful patient selection is of paramount importance. This video shows the importance of the procedure performed using the Da Vinci robot, a procedure that is still in its relative infancy.