Pelvic exenterations are surgical procedures that involve removing all organs within the pelvis. The spelling of this word can be explained with the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription /ˈpɛlvɪk ɛksɛntəˈreɪʃənz/. The first syllable begins with the consonant sound /p/ followed by the vowel sound /ɛ/ and the consonant sound /l/. The second syllable starts with the consonant sound /v/ and ends with the vowel sound /ɪ/. The final syllable begins with the consonant sound /k/, followed by the vowel sound /ə/, the consonant sound /n/, and the vowel sound /eɪ/, and the final consonant sound /ʃənz/.
Pelvic exenteration is a surgical procedure performed to remove and reconstruct various organs within the pelvic region of the body. It is an extensive surgery typically done to treat advanced or recurrent pelvic cancers that have not responded well to other treatment options.
During a pelvic exenteration, the surgeon removes organs such as the bladder, rectum, and reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, and cervix, as necessary. Sometimes, nearby lymph nodes or other tissues may also be removed. After the removal, the surgeon reconstructs the pelvic floor and creates new openings for urine and stool elimination.
Pelvic exenteration is a complex procedure that requires a team of skilled surgeons from different specialties, including gynecologic oncology, urologic surgery, and colorectal surgery. It is usually performed under general anesthesia and may involve a large abdominal incision or minimally invasive techniques, depending on the patient's specific condition and factors.
This surgical approach is considered a last resort when all other treatment options have been exhausted. It can offer a chance of cure for patients with certain pelvic malignancies, but it is a major operation that carries significant risks and requires careful patient selection and postoperative care. Rehabilitation and recovery can take several weeks to months, and patients may require ongoing therapies to manage complications and support their quality of life.
The word "pelvic" comes from the Latin word "pelvis", which refers to the basin-shaped structure formed by the hip bones. It is derived from the Greek word "pelvein", meaning "to brood" or "to be pregnant". The term "pelvic" is used to describe anything related to the pelvis.
"Exenteration" comes from the Latin word "exenterare", which means "to disembowel" or "to remove the contents". It is derived from the prefix "ex-", meaning "out", and the Latin word "entera", meaning "intestines" or "guts". In medical terminology, "exenteration" is the surgical removal of organs or tissues within a particular area.
Therefore, "pelvic exenterations" refers to a surgical procedure in which organs or tissues within the pelvic area are removed or dissected.