What is pelvic exenteration, and when is it needed?

Pelvic exenteration is a major surgery used to remove organs affected by advanced or recurrent pelvic cancers, such as cervical or rectal cancer. It is usually performed when other treatments, like chemotherapy or radiation, have not worked.

What is a stoma, and why is it necessary after pelvic exenteration?

A stoma is a surgically created opening that allows waste to exit the body. After pelvic exenteration, a urostomy or colostomy may be needed to manage waste, as some organs are removed during the surgery.

What is a hemipelvectomy, and what types are there?

A hemipelvectomy involves removing part of the pelvis, often to treat bone cancers like sarcoma. It can be either internal , where the leg is preserved, or external , where the leg is amputated.

What is life like after a hemipelvectomy?

Life after a hemipelvectomy involves a long recovery period with rehabilitation. Many patients regain mobility with the help of prosthetics or assistive devices and can return to everyday activities.

What are the long-term effects of pelvic exenteration or hemipelvectomy?

Long-term effects include changes in mobility, bowel, and bladder function. Patients may require rehabilitation and stoma care to adjust to new ways of managing these bodily functions.

What are the risks associated with pelvic exenteration?

Risks include infection, bleeding, blood clots, and potential damage to surrounding organs. There is also a risk of serious complications, which should be thoroughly discussed with your healthcare team.

How is recovery managed after pelvic exenteration or hemipelvectomy?

Recovery involves a hospital stay, followed by rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility. Patients will also receive training on stoma care, if needed, and may work with physical therapists for rehabilitation.

Can you live a normal life after a hemipelvectomy or pelvic exenteration?

Yes, most patients can adapt to a new normal, managing stoma care or prosthetics. With rehabilitation and support, most people return to daily activities and lead fulfilling lives.

What support options are available after pelvic exenteration or hemipelvectomy?

Support includes physical therapy, stoma care education, and emotional counseling. Many healthcare centers offer specialized rehabilitation programs and support groups to help patients adjust post-surgery.

A stoma is a surgically created opening on the surface of the abdomen, allowing bodily waste to pass out of the body. ⦿ Purpose: Allows bodily waste to exit when normal function is impaired. ⦿ Common reasons: Colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, bladder cancer. ⦿ Types: Colostomy (colon), ileostomy (small intestine), urostomy (urinary system). ⦿ Waste collection: A bag attached to the stoma collects waste. ⦿ Post-surgery care: Requires special care and management to prevent infections.

Life After Removal of Bladder/ Rectum?

Life after bladder or rectum removal requires some adjustments, but with proper care, patients can live fulfilling lives. ⦿ After bladder removal, a urinary diversion or urostomy may be needed to help drain urine. For rectal removal, a colostomy or ileostomy is used for stool passage. ⦿ Patients must follow post-surgery care instructions, including maintaining stoma hygiene and dietary changes. Regular follow-ups with the healthcare team are crucial to monitor recovery and manage any complications.

Managing a stoma involves proper care to ensure comfort and prevent complications. Here are key steps: ⦿ Cleanliness: Gently clean the skin around the stoma with warm water and pat dry. ⦿ Stoma bag: Change the stoma bag regularly, ensuring it fits well to avoid leaks. ⦿ Skin protection: Use barrier creams or wipes to prevent skin irritation. ⦿ Diet: Eat a balanced diet to minimize gas and odor. ⦿ Monitor changes: Watch for redness, swelling, or infection around the stoma and consult your doctor if needed.

Can patient walk after Removal of Pelvic Bone?

Yes, patients can walk after pelvic bone removal, but it depends on the extent of surgery and rehabilitation. Initially, walking may require assistance like crutches or walkers. ⦿ A specialized rehabilitation program, including physiotherapy, is crucial to regain mobility and strength. ⦿ Recovery time varies, but with consistent therapy, many patients achieve functional walking ability. ⦿ Regular follow-ups with the healthcare team are essential to monitor progress.

Treatment for Recurrent & Advanced Pelvic Cancers in Ahmedabad

Being diagnosed with recurrent or advanced pelvic cancer requires expert medical care. In Ahmedabad, Dr. Swati Shah is well-known for her expertise in treating recurrent and advanced pelvic cancers, providing the best robotic pelvic cancer surgery in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and across India. With over 15+ years of experience in pelvic cancer surgery & 10+ years in Robotic Surgery, Dr. Shah's use of advanced medical technologies has helped many patients successfully face this difficult disease.

11750+ Patients

11750+ Patients have been successfully treated

15+ Years

15+ years of work experience
as a pelvic cancers specialist

24 + Awards

24+ Awards received by Dr. Shah for her achievements

Dr. Swati Shah

MS, DrNB (Surgical Oncology)

Meet

Dr. Swati Shah

MS, DrNB (Surgical Oncology)

Training

⦿ MS (General Surgery) : Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi

⦿ DrNB Surgical Oncology : Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute, New Delhi.

⦿ Training in Gynec Cancer Surgery & HIPEC from the pioneer institute for Gynec Cancer surgeries in New Delhi.

Awards & Recognitions

⦿ Best Video presentation on "Robotic Retroperitoneal LN Dissection" in NATCON (National Surgical Oncology conference ) 2021, New Delhi.

⦿ Master Video sessions on Cytoreductive Surgery & HIPEC in ASICON (Conference of Association of Surgeons of India) 2021, AFPA NATCON (All India Family Physician Association) 2022, AGOICON (Association of Gynec Oncologist of India) 2022 and IASOCON (conference of Indian Association of Surgical Oncology) 2022.

⦿ Awards for presenting papers in SELSICON 2011, RGCON 2016, IASG 2015, IMSCON2015, NATCON 2019.

⦿ Author of multiple papers in National & International Journals.

Pelvic Cancer Surgeries

⦿ Laparoscopic Hysterectomy for early-stage uterine cancer

⦿ Pelvic Exenteration for advanced pelvic cancers

⦿ Prostatectomy for prostate cancer

⦿ Cystectomy for bladder cancer

⦿ Cytoreductive Surgery for advanced ovarian or uterine cancer

⦿ Robotic-Assisted Surgery for pelvic cancers

Know about Pelvic Cancers

What is Pelvis?

The pelvis is the lower part of the body between the abdomen and the legs. It supports organs like the bladder and intestines and connects the spine to the legs. It also protects reproductive organs. It contains blood vessels to & from lower limbs.

What tumours occur in Pelvis?

Tumours that can occur in the pelvis include: Recurrent/Advanced Gynecological, Urological, and Rectal Tumors & including cases involving adjacent organs or structures.

Total Pelvic Exentration

Ileal Conduit

Soft tissue tumors

Sarcomas like liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma can develop in muscles, fat, vessels or connective tissues.

⦿ Recurrent sarcoma involving Iliac vessels & ureter

Bone tumors

Osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, or Ewing’s sarcoma, commonly affecting pelvic bones.

Pelvic bone tumour

Internal Hemipelvectomy

Reconstruction

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