J Gynecol Oncol.  2024 Sep;35(5):e112. 10.3802/jgo.2024.35.e112.

Step-by-step demonstration of “sciatic-nerve-preserved beyondLEER” in a Thiel-embalmed cadaver: a novel salvage surgery for recurrent gynecologic malignancies

• Kanao H
• Tamate M
• Matsuura M
• Nagao S
• Nakazawa M
• Habata S
• Saito T

• KMID: 2564942
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3802/jgo.2024.35.e112

Abstract

Objective
Complete resection is the curative treatment choice for recurrent gynecological malignancies. Laterally extended endopelvic resection (LEER) is an effective surgical salvage therapy for lateral recurrence. However, when a recurrent tumor occupies the ischial spine and sacrum, LEER is not indicated, and surgical salvage therapy is abandoned. Theoretically, complete resection of such a tumor is possible by additional pelvic bone resection along with the standard LEER. Nevertheless, owing to the anatomical complexities of the beyondLEER procedure, 2 major issues should be solved: sciatic nerve injury and tumor disruption during pelvic bone amputation. To overcome these technical challenges, we applied a multidirectional beyond-LEER approach, a novel salvage surgical procedure, with an aim of demonstrating its technical feasibility.
Methods
We created a simulation model of a laterally recurrent tumor that occupied the right ischial spine and sacrum in a Thiel-embalmed cadaver.
Results
Multidirectional approaches, including laparoscopic, perineal, and dorsal phases, were safely applied. We laparoscopically marked the L4-L5-S1 complex and S2 nerve with different colored tapes, and by pulling them out into a dorsal surgical field, the sciatic nerve was safely preserved. The dissection lines of the multidirectional approaches were aligned using tapes as landmarks, and complete tumor clearance without tumor disruption was accomplished. By following the cadaveric training, the first laparoscopic-assisted beyondLEER procedure was successfully performed in a patient with recurrent ovarian cancer.
Conclusion
Using a Thiel-embalmed cadaver, we demonstrated the technical feasibility of a sciatic nerve-preserved beyond-LEER procedure, which was successfully performed in a patient with recurrent ovarian cancer.

Keyword

Surgery; Laparoscopic Assisted; Sacrum; Salvage Therapy; Cadaver