When are conditions too severe for complete pelvic exenteration?

Complex: Pelvic exenteration means removing all of the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, tubes, and ovaries, and rectum). You then have a permanent colostomy and urinary ostomy. The operation is very major, especially if patients have had radiation. If the tumor has spread beyond the pelvis, or is involving the side walls of the pelvis, or the bones in the pelvis, then the procedure is not likely to help.

Pelvic exenteration: If a patient has metastatic disease outside of the pelvis then a pelvic exenteration is contraindicated. A patient's physical and emotional state has to be evaluated to know if they can handle the rigors of the exent and the healing period.