Pelvic exenteration: analysis of 296 patients.

An analysis of 296 patients who had pelvic exenteration discloses a high risk of postoperative complications and death; however, the safety has been improved by technical modifications for urinary diversion and treatment of the denuded pelvic cavity. Recurrent cancer of the cervix or vagina was the main reason for the operation. Prognostic factors were sought to improve selection of patients who are able to withstand operation, tolerate postoperative complications, and remain free of cancer. The five-year survival rate for 296 patients with various types of cancer calculated by the Berkson-Gage method was 56.5 per cent after death from all causes were deducted, the rate was 42.1 per cent. The five-year survival rate for 196 patients with recurrent carcinoma of the cervix calculated by the Berkson-Gage method was 48.3 per cent; after deaths from all causes were deducted, the rate was 33.8 per cent.