What is pelvic exenteration?

Exenteration: A pelvic exenteration is the removal of most or all pelvic structures (bladder, uterus, rectum) for cancer (usually recurrent) in the pelvic organs (most often cervical cancer).

Pelvic exenteration: A pelvic exenteration in a woman is the removal of most or all pelvic structures (bladder, uterus, rectum) for cancer with reconstruction. In gyn oncology, it is most frequently a posterior exenteration (uterus, part of vagina, rectum) for ovarian cancer. A total exenteration is often done for recurrent cervical cancer or vulvar cancer.