Secondary debulking surgery for isolated pelvic nodal recurrence requiring external iliac vein excision and reconstruction in a patient with ovarian cancer

abstract:
Secondary debulking surgery for isolated pelvic nodal recurrence requiring external iliac vein excision and reconstruction in a patient with ovarian cancer 

Highlights

• •We present a cytoreduction technique for pelvic lymph node recurrence with involvement of the external iliac vein (EIV).
• •We show how a pelvic lymphadenectomy involving the excision and reconstruction of the EIV is a feasible surgical technique.
• •Technique for venous reconstruction depends on the extent of resection required and therefore the ensuing defect.

Objective

We report the details of a cytoreduction technique for pelvic lymph node recurrence with involvement of the external iliac vein (EIV) requiring a partial resection and reconstruction of the EIV.

Methods

A 51-year-old woman presented with ovarian cancer and isolated nodal recurrence located on the right side of the pelvis. As the tumor had infiltrated the EIV wall, we performed the EIV excision and reconstruction using an autogenous graft.

Results

EIV reconstruction was achieved using a right ovarian vein patch. No intra- or early postoperative complications occurred. A postoperative enhanced magnetic resonance imaging examination confirmed the patency of the EIV.

Conclusion

An en bloc EIV excision and reconstruction for contiguous tumor involvement seems to be a feasible and safe surgical option.