Posterior pelvic exenteration in advanced stage ovarian cancer – a case series

Abstract

Due to the anatomical location of the ovaries, in the close proximity of the rectosigmoidian loop, local invasion of this segment is frequently encountered especially in cases presenting peritoneal carcinomatosis of the Douglas pouch. The aim of the current paper is to report a case series of 16 patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer and rectosigmoidian invasion submitted to surgery with curative intent. In all cases resection to no residual disease was achieved. Due to the advanced level of rectal invasion, anastomosis was not performed, in all cases the continuity of the digestive tract being reestablished through left colostomy. In conclusion in certain cases presenting locally invasion of the nodules of peritoneal carcinomatosis, modified posterior exenteration might be needed.