The Role of Palliative Surgery in Gynecologic Cancer Cases

Abstract

abstract CME Learning Objectives Describe the range of palliative procedures utilized in gynecologic cancers. Evaluate the indications for palliative bowel surgery in ovarian cancer. Assess the clinical scenario for which palliative pelvic exenteration would be considered. Compare the morbidities associated with palliative gynecologic surgeries to the potential benefits gained. The decision to undergo major palliative surgery in end-stage gynecologic cancer is made when severe disease symptoms significantly hinder quality of life. Malignant bowel obstruction, unremitting pelvic pain, fistula formation, tumor necrosis, pelvic sepsis, and chronic hemorrhage are among the reasons patients undergo palliative surgeries. This review discusses and summarizes the literature on surgical management of malignant bowel obstruction and palliative pelvic exenteration in gynecologic oncology.