“After pelvic exenteration for gynecological malignancy, we can often use local tissue to reconstruct the vagin*l canal and pelvic floor. This can reduce the risk of perineal evisceration and wound healing complications. In addition, although sensation is usually permanently altered, patients may be able to have sexual intercourse once fully healed — helping them regain some normalcy lost during treatment.”
Wai‑Yee Li, M.D., Ph.D., Plastic surgeon, associate clinical professor, Division of Plastic Surgery
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City of Hope Offers Complex Pelvic Reconstruction
![Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (1) Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (1)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cityofhope.org/sites/www/files/2023-07/2023-24-USNWR-Ovarian-Cancer-Surgery-145x152.png)
![Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (2) Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (2)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cityofhope.org/sites/www/files/2023-07/2023-24-USNWR-Prostate-Cancer-Surgery-145x152.png)
![Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (3) Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (3)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cityofhope.org/sites/www/files/2023-07/2023-24-USNWR-Colon-Cancer-Surgery-145x152.png)
Complex pelvic reconstruction is critical to the surgical management of locally advanced gynecological, colorectal, urological, bony pelvic and lower spine cancers. U.S. News & World Report has recognized City of Hope as one of best hospitals for cancer treatment in the nation and an elite cancer hospital for 16 consecutive years. We have also been singled out as a top performer in several oncologic procedures of the pelvis and genitourinary tract, including colon cancer surgery, ovarian cancer surgery and prostate cancer surgery.
Minimally Invasive Robotic-Assisted Surgery to Restore Pelvic Anatomy, Continence and Sexual Function
At City of Hope, our multidisciplinary surgical teams have expertise in state-of-the-art integrated care for gynecological, colorectal, urological, bony pelvic and lower spine malignancies. We specialize in eradicating a patient’s cancer while safeguarding or restoring pelvic floor function, pelvic anatomy, continence and sexual function. Our care teams design treatment plans that are highly individualized, taking into account every patient’s unique medical needs and personal treatment goals.
Our specialists use a variety of approaches to provide symptom relief and improve quality of life for patients — even those with the most complex cases. Our surgical teams focus on robotic, laparoscopic and other less invasive approaches that minimize trauma, reduce postoperative pain and shorten recovery times. Sometimes, pelvic floor, vagin*l and vulval reconstructions can be performed at the same time as surgical removal of malignancies, reducing the need for multiple operations.
Treatment may also include pelvic floor physical therapy, tissue flaps or native tissue repairs.
Comprehensive Screening for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Symptomatic pelvic floor dysfunction affects more than half of women with gynecologic cancers both before and after treatment. However, Medicare claims show that pelvic floor dysfunction often goes unaddressed in these patients.
At City of Hope, every patient seen in the gynecologic oncology program is screened for pelvic floor dysfunction.
Supportive Care Throughout the Patient Journey
With more than 160 supportive care staff, City of Hope has one of the country’s largest and most deeply integrated multidisciplinary professional programs.
We offer a full range of supportive care services and programs designed to help our patients with treatment, symptom management, wound care, ostomy care, adjusting to new diet and lifestyle habits, coping with stress and navigating the health care system.
Patients may access City of Hope’s extensive occupational and rehabilitation services and survivorship resources.
Kevin G. Chan, M.D.
Urologic Surgeon; Head, Reconstructive Urology
Duarte - Main Campus
Kevin Chan, M.D., is a urologic surgeon specializing in bladder cancer and surgical treatment of male urinary incontinence.
Full Bio
![Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (6) Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (6)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cityofhope.org/sites/www/files/image/mike-chen.jpg)
Mike Y. Chen, M.D., Ph.D.
Neurosurgeon
Duarte - Main Campus; Arcadia
A prolific researcher and talented surgeon, Mike Y. Chen, M.D., Ph.D., has been on City of Hope's neurosurgery team since 2007. He specializes in complex operations for the removal of brain and spine tumors.
Full Bio
![Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (7) Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (7)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cityofhope.org/sites/www/files/2023-01/Seth-Cohen-300x300.png)
Seth A. Cohen, M.D.
Urologic Surgeon; Urogynecologist
Newport Beach; Lennar Foundation Cancer Center
Seth Cohen, M.D., is a urologic surgeon with a focus on female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at City of Hope's community practice sites in Orange County.
Full Bio
![Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (8) Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (8)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cityofhope.org/sites/www/files/image/ernest-han.jpg)
Ernest S. Han, M.D., Ph.D.
Gynecologic Oncologist
Duarte - Main Campus
Ernest Han, M.D., Ph.D., is a gynecologic oncologist with specialized training in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery.
Full Bio
![Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (9) Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (9)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cityofhope.org/sites/www/files/2022-07/Dr-Kaiser_0.jpg)
Andreas M. Kaiser, M.D.
Colorectal Surgeon
Duarte - Main Campus
Andreas M. Kaiser, M.D., professor and chief, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, specializes in colorectal diseases.
Full Bio
![Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (10) Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (10)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cityofhope.org/sites/www/files/image/wai-yee-li.jpg)
Wai-Yee Li, M.D., Ph.D.
Plastic Surgeon
Duarte - Main Campus; Arcadia
Wai-Yee Li, M.D., Ph.D., is a plastic surgeon specializing in breast and skin cancer reconstruction and lymphedema.
Full Bio
![Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (11) Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (11)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cityofhope.org/sites/www/files/image/villarreal300x.jpg)
Humberto Villarreal, M.D.
Urologic Surgeon
Duarte - Main Campus; Glendora; Pasadena
Humberto Villarreal, M.D., is a urologic surgeon in the Division of Urology and Urologic Oncology and Department of Surgery at City of Hope.
Full Bio