[Effectiveness of combined resection and exenteration of the pelvic organs as part of the comprehensive treatment of extensive malignancies of the rectum and female genitals].

The results of the surgical treatment of 865 patients with extended malignancies of the rectum and female genitals are presented. Combined resection and exenteration of organs of the small pelvis (both radical and palliative to ensure cytoreduction of tumor) were carried out in 695 cases (palliative surgery for symptoms--170). The number of resections and sphincter-saving operations has increased while the lethality rates have dropped in recent years. Three-year survival after combined radical surgery for rectal cancer was 59.1%; five-year survival--49% (palliation with removal of distant metastases--26.0 and 14.8%; without removal--24.2 and 0%, respectively; palliative surgery for symptoms--2.3 and 0%, respectively). In cases of palliative surgery for cytoreduction of tumor of the female genitals, 3- and 5-year survival after removal of all distant foci was 66.2 and 54.1%; partial cytoreduction--42.2 and 28.8%, and surgery for symptoms--13.8 and 13.8%, respectively. Cytoreduction improved both the chances and efficacy of adjuvant radio- and chemotherapy. It is suggested that surgery be included as a component of complex treatment of malignancies; combined cytoreduction is fully justified even if its effect is merely palliative.