Pelvic exenteration for advanced rectal carcinoma.

Twelve patients with advanced rectal cancer and no evidence of extrapelvic metastases underwent pelvic exenteration. The operative mortality rate was 8.3 per cent. Determinate 3 and 5 year survival rates of 54 and 37 per cent were achieved. Criteria for the selection of patients and techniques of supravesical urinary diversion are discussed.