Investig Clin Urol.  2021 Jan;62(1):111-120. 10.4111/icu.20200176.

Robotic pelvic exenteration and extended pelvic resections for locally advanced or synchronous rectal and urological malignancy

• Williams M
• Perera M
• Nouhaud FX
• Coughlin G

• KMID: 2509868
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4111/icu.20200176

Abstract

Purpose
To describe the surgical technique and examine the feasibility and outcomes following robotic pelvic exenteration and extended pelvic resection for rectal and/or urological malignancy.
Materials and Methods
We present a case series of seven patients with locally advanced or synchronous urological and/or rectal malignancy who underwent robotic total or posterior pelvic exenteration between 2012–2016.
Results
In total, we included seven patients undergoing pelvic exenteration or extended pelvic resection. The mean operative time was 485±157 minutes and median length of stay was 9 days (6–34 days). There was only one Clavien–Dindo complication grade 3 which was a vesicourethral anastomotic leak requiring rigid cystoscopy and bilateral ureteric catheter insertion. Eightyfive percent of patients had clear colorectal margins with a median margin of 3.5 mm (0.7-8.0 mm) while all urological margins were clear. Six out of seven patients had complete (grade 3) total mesorectal excision. Three patients experienced recurrence at a median of 22 months (21–24 months) post-operatively. Of the three recurrences, one was systemic only whilst two were both local and systemic. One patient died from complications of dual rectal and prostate cancer 31 months after the surgery.
Conclusions
We report a large series examining robotic pelvic exenteration or extended pelvic resection and describe the surgical technique involved. The robotic approach to pelvic exenteration is highly feasible and demonstrates acceptable peri-operative and oncological outcomes. It has the potential to benefit patients undergoing this highly complex and morbid procedure.

Keyword

Colorectal cancer; Minimally invasive surgical procedures; Pelvic exenteration; Prostate cancer; Surgery