Laparoscopic Resection of Presacral Teratomas

Abstract

Presacral and retrorectal space tumors are relatively rare lesions, the location of which can result in the onset of symptoms that are not well-defined. Retrorectal teratomas are resected to alleviate these symptoms and to rule out malignancy. Complete resection by one of the open abdominal or sacral approaches was traditionally advocated as the best treatment for either a benign or malignant presacral and retrorectal tumor. A 15-year-old girl had chronic, progressively worsening dull pelvic pain and was given the diagnosis of a retrorectal tumor during her first gynecologic examination. Computed tomography of the pelvis showed an encapsulated presacral and retrorectal tumor measuring 10 × 8.5 × 8 cm. The retrorectal teratoma was removed by laparoscopy. No complication was observed interoperation. In addition, no sensory or motoric dysfunction of the bladder or rectum was observed postoperatively. Laparoscopy can be used to surgically remove presacral teratomas.