The Preoperative Prognosticators of Surgical Margins (R0 vs. R1) in Pelvic Exenteration-A 14-Year Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Referral Centre.

BACKGROUND/

OBJECTIVES

Pelvic exenteration is a complex surgery considered for locally advanced or recurrent pelvic malignancies, entailing a radical en-block resection of multiple adjacent pelvic organs, followed by reconstructive surgery. Achieving R0 resection (complete removal of macroscopic and microscopic disease) is critical for improving survival outcomes. This study aimed to define patient, tumour, and surgical predictors of R0 resection in an irradiated field, thereby optimising patient selection and establishing a surgical roadmap for pelvic exenterations.

METHODS

Our retrospective observational cohort study includes consecutive patients undergoing exenteration post-radiotherapy for non-ovarian gynaecological malignancies at Oxford University Hospitals between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2024. The primary outcome was margin status. Secondary outcomes were intraoperative and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients were identified, with a median age of 63 years (range 41-81) and median BMI of 27 (range 17-45). Primary tumour sites included the vulva (11.1%), vagina (14.8%), cervix (40.7%), and uterus (33.3%). R0 was achieved in 77.8% (n = 21) of cases. Intraoperative complications occurred in 29.6%, and significant postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo IIIA/IIIB) in 22.2% of patients. R0 resection was significantly associated with younger age (median 61 vs. 70 years, p = 0.035) and primary cervical tumours (p = 0.036). On univariable logistic regression, tumour size on imaging (p = 0.038, OR 2.9) and on histology (p = 0.020, OR 2.01), and estimated blood loss (p = 0.048, OR 1.002) were significant predictors of R0 resection. None of these variables retained significance in multivariable logistic regression.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumour size, primary tumour site, and patient age should be considered when selecting patients for pelvic exenteration following radiotherapy, and blood loss should be kept minimal in order to maximise the chances of achieving R0 resection.