Surgical resection of retrorectal tumours in adults: long‐term results in 47 patients

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging was the most helpful investigation for retrorectal tumours. The posterior trans-sacrococcygeal approach is the procedure of choice for complete resection for most, especially for benign and cystic lesions without extension above S2.

Tumours of Retrorectal Space: A Rare Entity Scarcely Known by General Surgeons

“…The main concern about biopsy is the complications that can follow: infection, hemorrhage, sepsis, meningitis, fistula, bowel perforation and risk of seeding through the biopsy tract [4,5,6]. Neither of our patients underwent preoperative biopsy, not even the third case that rejected surgery.…”

“…RM is an essential tool to determine the type of surgery: circumferential versus "en bloc" related to nature of tumour, posterior versus abdominal approach regarding relation to S3 [6,8]. Moreover, different specialists are required in order to excel optimal results.…”

“…Most of the lesions are congenital, benign and more common in women [4,5]. Classification according to Lovelady and Docketdy includes [2,5,6,8,9].…”

“…According to Jao et al [1] these tumours account for 1 in 40,000 hospital admissions [1][2][3]. Some authors have reported a rise of female gender cases (ratio 3:1) with a peak at middle age [4][5][6][7]. In addition, malignant processes seem to be more frequent in women than in men [3,4].…”

Retrorectal cystic hamartoma: A case report

“…Historically, the anterior, posterior or combined approach is chosen depending on the position of the mass [6,7]. Thus, if the mass is proximal to S3 the most appropriate approach will be the abdominal (especially if there is neoplasm suspicion), if the mass is distal to S3 the most suitable approach is posterior and if the mass is lying proximal and distal to S3 the approach should be combined [8,9]. The surgical approach will also be influenced by the experience of the surgical team as this is a very uncommon pathology [10].…”