Background

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) for colorectal cancer peritoneal carcinomatosis has been shown to prolong survival with acceptable morbidity rates. Total pelvic peritonectomy (TPP), or complete removal of all pelvic peritoneum, constitutes an important and technically challenging component of CRS. Here we report our experience and describe our technique of laparoscopic total pelvic peritonectomy (LTPP), using a photographic/videographic step-by-step guide.

Methods

All patients who underwent LTPP for pelvic carcinomatosis from a colorectal origin were included in the study. Only patients with peritoneal cancer index (PCI) score of ≤ 10 were selected for CRS with LTPP. Patients who had extra-abdominopelvic cavity metastases were excluded. The final decision to proceed with CRS was made following laparoscopic assessment.

Results

From January 2017 to December 2020, 15 consecutive patients underwent LTPP for colorectal cancer pelvic carcinomatosis. Median patient age and PCI score was 53 years (range 33–78) and 8 (range 3–10), respectively. Complete cytoreduction was achieved in all patients. Thirteen patients (87%) underwent concomitant hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). The median operative duration was 748 min (interquartile range [IQR] 681–850). Median intra-operative blood loss and length of hospital stay was 100 ml (IQR 50–300) and 10 days (IQR 8–12), respectively. Five patients (33%) experienced 30-day post-operative morbidity, with one (6.7%) experiencing a higher grade (Clavien–Dindo IIIa) complication. Median follow-up duration was 13 months (IQR 3–19), during which four (27%) had systemic recurrence and one (6.7%) died after 15 months following peritoneal and systemic recurrences.

Conclusion

LTPP is a feasible option for low-volume pelvic carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer, offering the benefits of a minimally invasive approach. Strict patient selection is essential, and the procedure should be converted if the PCI score cannot be assessed or complete cytoreduction cannot be achieved. Proficiency at laparoscopic pelvic surgery is mandatory for performing LTPP.