Anterior exenteration
Removal of anterior pelvic organs: bladder, uterus (in women), prostate (in men), preserving the rectum.
Reviewed by Prof. Luis González Bayón — Updated: April 30, 2026
Radical Surgery
Pelvic Exenteration
Radical surgery for advanced or recurrent pelvic tumors. We offer a second chance at cure when other options have failed, with specialized multidisciplinary teams.
CONTACT SPECIALISTWhat is pelvic exenteration?
Pelvic exenteration is a radical surgical intervention consisting of en bloc removal of pelvic organs affected by a tumor. It is the treatment of choice for locally advanced or recurrent pelvic tumors that cannot be treated with other techniques.
Although it is a highly complex surgery, it offers the possibility of cure in patients who would otherwise only have palliative options. Advances in surgical and reconstruction techniques have significantly improved outcomes and postoperative quality of life.
Types of pelvic exenteration
Different modalities exist depending on which organs must be removed:
Posterior exenteration
Removal of the rectum and posterior reproductive organs, preserving the bladder and urinary system.
Total exenteration
Removal of all pelvic organs: rectum, bladder, uterus/prostate, and adjacent reproductive structures.
Extended exenteration
Also includes bony structures (sacrum, pubis) or lateral pelvic walls when affected.
Indications for pelvic exenteration
This surgery is indicated in the following situations:
Central pelvic recurrence
Recurrence of colorectal, gynecological, or urological cancer in the central pelvis after previous treatment.
Locally advanced tumor
Primary tumors infiltrating multiple pelvic organs but without distant metastases.
Tumor fistulization
Tumors that have created abnormal communications (fistulas) between pelvic organs.
Radiotherapy failure
Tumor persistence or recurrence after previous radical pelvic radiotherapy.
Reconstruction techniques
Reconstruction is a fundamental part of pelvic exenteration:
Urinary diversion
Creation of an ileal conduit (Bricker) or neobladder to divert urine when the bladder is removed.
Colostomy
Exteriorization of the colon to the abdominal wall when the rectum is removed, temporary or permanent.
Musculocutaneous flaps
Use of vascularized tissues (rectus abdominis, gracilis) to fill the pelvic defect and improve healing.
Vaginal reconstruction
In women, vaginal reconstruction using flaps to maintain function and anatomy.
Our experience in pelvic exenterations
At Quenet-Torrent Institute we have one of the largest experiences in pelvic exenteration in Spain. Our multidisciplinary team includes oncological surgeons, urologists, gynecological oncologists, plastic surgeons, and stomatherapists.
We perform an exhaustive evaluation of each case to determine surgical viability and plan the optimal strategy. We use high-complexity technology, including robotic surgery when applicable, to optimize oncological and functional outcomes.
Pathologies that may require pelvic exenteration
Pelvic exenteration is applied in advanced or recurrent tumors from various locations.
Colorectal tumors
Pelvic recurrences of rectal cancer.
More informationGynecological tumors
Locally advanced cervical, endometrial, or vaginal cancer.
More informationPelvic sarcomas
Retroperitoneal sarcomas with pelvic involvement.
More information
Real cases
Patient testimonies and surgery explanations
Real testimonies from patients treated by our team in high-complexity surgical oncology.
Debra's case
66-year-old English woman with advanced ovarian cancer and peritoneal metastases. Treated with cytoreduction + HIPEC, she is now disease-free.
Read the full caseRosario (Charo)'s case
73-year-old patient with advanced cancer treated with chemotherapy and high-complexity surgical oncology. Excellent survival and quality of life.
Read the full caseLaura's case
Rare abdominal tumor treated with complex cytoreductive surgery plus HIPEC and systemic chemotherapy. Disease-free after almost 2 years.
Read the full caseSantiago's case
Diagnosed with widespread peritoneal carcinomatosis and considered inoperable. After complete cytoreduction with HIPEC, today his is a story of hope and survival.
Read the full case
Verified reviews
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★★★★★
What our patients say
L
4 weeks ago
★★★★★
Wonderful surgical team, among the best out there. Dr. Torrent (expert in peritoneal carcinomatosis) is an exceptional surgeon and an even better person. His coordinator is super kind, fast and efficient. The human treatment is great and the results are too. This is of vital importance for cancer patients.
K
5 months ago
★★★★★
In the public healthcare system they gave my father a maximum of one year to live. They only offered him chemo and no hope, said it was impossible, that nothing could be done. He had several tumors inside the peritoneal sac with metastases. A year and a half later he is clean, completely cured. His latest PET scan came back clean. We are very happy. Thanks to Dr. Torrent and his team. THANK YOU.
M
A year ago
★★★★★
Excellent professionals, especially Dr. Torrent, attentive at all times to the patient (my wife), operated for peritoneal pseudomyxoma. They helped us with all our needs since we came from outside Barcelona. Thank you Elisabeth. We are very grateful to Quenet Torrent Institute, thank you for everything.
P
2 years ago
★★★★★
I am a 63-year-old patient. They detected adrenal gland cancer and told me there was nothing to be done. I sought a second opinion and they told me about the Quenet Torrent team, specialists in complex operations. Dr. Torrent, from the first moment, told me they could operate. They operated and removed a large tumor mass. I spent a week in the ICU and a month on the ward. Every day he came morning and evening, no matter Saturday or Sunday. Never throw in the towel. I am happy to have found these professionals who gave me my life back. Thank you.
I
3 years ago
★★★★★
Many thanks for your attention. Dr. Torrent always attentive, involved and decisive. The reception staff very pleasant and always offering the best option. 100% RECOMMENDED. THANK YOU.
M
5 years ago
★★★★★
Dr. Torrent helped me make the best decision at a difficult moment. I think he is a great professional and a person capable of accompanying you and putting himself in another's shoes. Thank you for everything.
F
6 years ago
★★★★★
I have peritoneal carcinomatosis. Sending my diagnosis to every center, practically all agreed on palliative chemo with little survival time since I had very aggressive cell types. Until we reached Dr. Quenet, Dr. Torrent and their team. I can only confirm what their CV announces: they are far ahead of the rest. They saved my life — at surgery the harmful cells everyone diagnosed (and used to refuse to operate) were not there. This intervention has become the best investment of my life.
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