Extraperitoneal surgical approach to the pelvis after radiation therapy or radical surgery.

Use of extraperitoneal surgical procedures in patients who have developed a retroperitoneal surgical problem after radiation therapy, primary radical surgery, or both has the advantages of excellence of exposure, shortness of operating time, isolation of infections, and avoidance of bowel manipulation. The surgical technique was adjusted to each individual patient's needs in the 21 patients involved in this study. Intensified pelvic fibrosis with constriction of ureter and pelvic vessels postoperatively was experienced in one patient. The surgical exploration should remain confirmed to the area of interest.