Critical care issues in cervical cancer management

Radical pelvic surgery in gynecologic oncology patients poses a challenge t o the surgeon and the ancillary team in charge of the peri-operative care. The high frequency of medical problems observed in this patient population, in conjunction with the stresses of radical surgery, necessitates careful monitoring of patients' medical status. A comprehensive team approach in th e perioperative period is critical to patient care. Early intervention and anticipation of potential problems for the patient at risk in the postopera tive period minimizes morbidity and mortality. This article will review the essentials of critical care as it relates to patients undergoing radical p elvic operations. Semin. Surg. Oncol. 16:267-274, 1999. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss , Inc.