Surgical management of a rare giant sacral meningocele in a child

Abstract

IntroductionAnterior sacral meningocele is a rare congenital disorder, occurring isolated or in syndromic disease. Case reportA 15-year-old patient who complained of abdominal pain and urinary dysfunction was managed surgically. Imaging diagnosed a giant presacral meningocele and agenesis of the coccyx. DiscussionThe presentation of sacral meningocele can be poorly symptomatic, which is why some patients are diagnosed late. Sometimes, diagnosis is suggested by non-specific abdominal symptoms or complications. Abdominal-pelvic radiological examination and lumbar spine MRI are essential, and treatment must be surgical. There are several surgical approaches, but currently no consensus. ConclusionAn unusual huge presacral cystic mass in a young patient may be isolated or part of a syndrome, and can be asymptomatic for a long time, leading to late diagnosis. The surgical approach should be based on multidisciplinary discussion. We operated on a giant anterior sacral meningocele in a child using a posterior approach, with a satisfactory result.