Radiology, Vol 164, 665-670, Copyright © 1987 by Radiological Society of North America
Pelvic exenteration: role of CT in follow-up
G Pan and A Shirkhoda
Fifty-five computed tomography (CT) scans of the pelves and abdomens of 33
patients who had undergone pelvic exenteration were reviewed. There were 27
gynecologic and six colorectal malignancies. The interval between surgery
and the first CT scan ranged from 2 weeks to 37 months (median, 8 months).
CT findings included abnormal fluid collections (33.3%), abnormalities of
the neovagina (30.3%) and presacral soft tissues (36.4%), increased
hydronephrosis (54.5%), and lymphocysts (6.1%). Tumors recurred in 17 of 33
patients (51.5%) at a median interval of 9 months after surgery and had
several CT manifestations. The most common of these was a soft-tissue mass
of variable density and shape, but pelvic fluid collections as well as
abnormalities of the neovagina and presacral soft-tissue layer were also
associated with tumor recurrence. The surgical indications, methods, and
potential post- operative complications of pelvic exenteration were
reviewed and the role of CT in the follow-up of these patients was
emphasized.
