Excision of Retrorectal Tumors: Comparing Outcome Regarding Surgical Approach

Abstract

Aim:Tumors of the retrorectal space are very rare, and the clinical characteristics of these tumors, such as their complex anatomy, origin, and surgical techniques used in the treatment are yet to be elucidated. Although several surgical approaches have been identified, the question remains as to which approach provides better results.Method:A total of 29 patients who underwent surgical excision of retrorectal tumors at Department of General Surgery, İstanbul Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, were retrospectively evaluated. All characteristics of patients were assessed from their medical files, and patients were informed about the study by phone.Results:Among the 29 patients, four were male and 25 were female. The mean age was 44.07±16.15 years, and the mean follow-up duration was 7.5±4.4 years. Twenty patients underwent surgery via posterior (perineal) approach, seven via anterior (transabdominal) approach, and two via combined (abdominoperineal) approach. There were three deaths and six tumor recurrences during the follow-up period. The length of hospital stay was significantly higher with the combined approach. Coccygectomy was performed in 11 patients, of which only one had a recurrence, while the remaining five recurrences were in patients without coccygectomy.Conclusion:The most advantageous surgical approach to retrorectal tumors remains unclear. Various factors (resection success, coccygectomy, tumor features, and type) are thought to affect the outcome. Further studies and structured, systematic reviews may be necessary to identify the role of each factor in the surgical outcome of retrorectal tumors.

Keywords

• retrorectal tumors
• transabdominal approach
• coccygectomy