Malignant risk and surgical outcomes of presacral tailgut cysts

K. L. Mathis, E. J. Dozois, M. S. Grewal, P. Metzger, D. W. Larson, R. M. Devine

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

73 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Presacral tailgut cysts are uncommon and few data exist on the outcomes following surgery. Methods: Patients undergoing tailgut cyst resection at the Mayo Clinic between 1985 and 2008 were analysed retrospectively. Demographic data, clinicopathological features, operative details, postoperative complications and recurrence were reviewed. Results: Thirty-one patients were identified (28 women), with a median age of 52 years. Seventeen patients were symptomatic and 28 had a palpable mass on digital rectal examination. Median cyst diameter was 4-4 cm. Four patients had a fistula to the rectum. Complete cyst excision was achieved in all patients; eight underwent distal sacral resection or coccygectomy. Postoperative complications occurred in eight patients but without 30-day mortality. Malignant transformation was present in four patients: adenocarcinoma in three and carcinoid in one. The cyst recurred in one patient after surgery for a benign lesion. Conclusion: Presacral tailgut cysts should be removed due to the risk of malignant transformation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)575-579
Number of pages5
JournalBritish Journal of Surgery
Volume97
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2010

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Malignant risk and surgical outcomes of presacral tailgut cysts'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this