Different uses of the breast implant to prevent empty pelvic complications following pelvic exenteration

Abstract

Pelvic exenteration surgery is used as a standard procedure in recurrent pelvic cancers. Total pelvic exenteration (TPE) includes resection of the uterus, prostate, ureters, bladder and rectosigmoid colon from pelvic space. Empty pelvis syndrome is a complication of the TPE procedure. Following TPE, complications such as haematoma, abscess leading to permanent pus discharge and chronic infections can occur. Herein, we present the case of a man in his 50s who was referred for pelvic pain, foul-smelling discharge and non-functioning colostomy, and operated for distal rectal cancer 1.5 years ago and underwent low anterior resection. In this case, we performed TPE for the recurrent tumour. To prevent TPE complications, we used a breast implant for filling the pelvic cavity. The early and late postoperative course was uneventful.