Sexuality for the Woman With Cancer  + -Text Size   Pelvic
exenteration  Pelvic exenteration is the most extensive pelvic
surgery. It’s used most often when cancer of the cervix has
recurred (come back) in the pelvis after surgery or radiation
therapy. In this surgery, the uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian
tubes, vagina, and sometimes the bladder, urethra, and/or rectum
are removed. If two ostomies are created, this surgery is called
a total pelvic exenteration; one ostomy is for urine and the
other is for stool. The vagina is usually rebuilt. Lymphedema
may be a problem after surgery. (See “Surgery for cancer of the
vulva (vulvectomy),” above). Because pelvic exenteration is such
a major surgery, some cancer centers offer counseling sessions
before surgery to help the woman prepare for the changes in her
body and her life.  Recovery from pelvic exenteration takes a
long time. Most women don’t begin to feel totally healed for up
to 6 months after surgery. Some say it takes at least a year or
2 to fully adjus