Posterior approach for radical excision of sacral chordoma

Wide resection of sacral chordoma via a posterior approach

“…The tumor free period of our patients was 86% at the seven-year follow-up which similar or slightly better than most previous reports which ranged between 56 and 77% [1][2][3][4][5][11][12][13][14]. Tumor recurrence rate in our patients was 14% (3/21) at the seven-year follow-up which was also slightly less than the previous reports, ranging between 26 and 40% [11][12][13][14].…”

“…The number of blood units used during the surgery and postoperative period ranged between four and 11 units with an average of 7.1 units. This figure was slightly better than some previous reports that indicated blood transfusion of more than eight units was required in most of the patients [4,5]. However, there was inadequate information about pre-operative embolization in the previous reports and perioperative blood loss.…”

“…The complication rate of our patients seemed to be less than the other reports [1][2][3][4][5][11][12][13][14]. Furthermore, there were no serious complications including great vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or bowel, bladder and great vessels injuries in our patients.…”

“…However, the combined approach is extensive surgery with a prolonged operative time and prolonged recovery of the patient. The posterior approach used on its own has been reported [5]. But this technique was not a commonly used operation as visceral organs and great vessels in the pelvis might have a higher chance of injury during osteotomy.…”

Sacral Chordoma

“…Post operative complications included urinary incontinence in 14% and rectal incontinence in 6% of patients. A posterior approach has also been described in literature [7], but it is complex, time consuming and involves more blood loss. The authors recommend use of a mersilene mesh to prevent herniation through the sacral defect.…”