Sacrococcygeal teratoma in Sweden between 1978 and 1989: long-term functional results

Thirty-four patients operated with sacrococcygeal teratoma in Sweden between 1978 and 1989 were reviewed. Twenty-five children were available for functional follow-up. The patients and their parents were interviewed for bowel and micturition habits. Fourteen patients from this number were subjected to anorectal manometry (56%). Fifteen children reported normal bowel habits (60%). In 10 patients (40%) soiling was observed. However, four of them were under 3 years of age and wearing diapers, which made the functional evaluation difficult. The manometries showed normal and resting tone and squeezing pressures in 10 patients and subnormal values in four patients who also had soiling problems. All investigated children showed normal rectoanal inhibition reflex. Twenty-one patients reported normal micturition, in four (16%) urinary incontinence was recorded. Two of the latter children required intermittent clean catheterization, one was on medication and the last one lives without any treatment. No difference in functional outcome was noted between patients with intrapelvic or extrapelvic tumor location. Retrospectively, it is not possible to know whether the observed functional outcome is due to tumor growth or the result of surgery. Preoperative clinical investigation and in some cases anorectal manometry and cystometry could theoretically resolve this problem.