Minimally invasive pelvic exenteration for primary or recurrent locally advanced rectal cancer: A glimpse into the future

Table 1 Types of pelvic exenteration and modifications regarding extent of the tumor

Type of pelvic exenteration		Description of the technique
Total pelvic exenteration		Complete en bloc resection of the rectum, reproductive internal organs, genitourinary viscera, regional lymph nodes, and peritoneum
Anterior pelvic exenteration		Bladder resection with or without internal reproductive organs
Posterior pelvic exenteration		Resection of the rectum, with or without reproductive internal organs, preservation of bladder
Modifications for the above types
Sacrectomy	High sacrectomy	Resection of the sacrum above the third sacral body
	High subcortical sacrectomy	Anterior sacral cortex and underlying bone are resected
Pelvic side wall resection	Extended lateral pelvic sidewall excision	Dissection in prone and supine position. Piriformis muscle is dissected, ischial spine and sciatic nerve are excised if needed
	Laterally extended endopelvic resection	Resection of obturator internus, pubococcygeus, iliococcygeus and coccygeus muscles. Sciatic nerve involvement is a contraindication