Similar Oncological and Quality of Life Outcomes Following Pelvic Exenteration for Recurrent Rectal Cancer With and Without En Bloc Sacrectomy

Patients undergoing pelvic exenteration for locally recurrent rectal cancer, with or without en bloc sacrectomy, had similar rates of r0 resection, survival, and quality of life outcomes. Although sacrectomy patients experienced more postoperative complications, mortality rates were not increased. The median overall survival was slightly higher without sacrectomy. The study suggests that referral to specialized centers for sacral resection may be beneficial due to the importance of achieving clear margins for survival.