Improvements in pelvic exenteration: factors responsible for reducing morbidity and mortality.

Background: Since pelvic exenteration for the treatment of recurrent gynecologic malignancy first was described, reported rates of morbidity and mortality have declined steadily. However, the factors responsible for this decline have never been clearly delineated.

Methods: We reviewed the charts of 154 patients who underwent pelvic exenteration for gynecologic malignancy between 1954 and 1994.

Estrogen replacement therapy following oophorectomy in women with a family history of ovarian cancer.

Compliance with estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) following surgical menopause is poor. In women who have a family history of ovarian cancer, fear of the oncogenic potential of estrogen might affect compliance with ERT following oophorectomy. Compliance with ERT in such a select group of women has not been previously reported.