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The functional sequelae of sacrococcygeal teratoma: a longitudinal and cross-sectional follow-up study
Francesco Cozzi1, Amalia Schiavetti, Augusto Zani
1Pediatric Surgery Unit, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy. francesco.cozzi@uniroma1.it
Insights
Functional sequelae following sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) surgery often improve over time. These long-term functional disorders are common in the general population and tend to resolve in adulthood.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Clinical Outcomes Research
Background:
- Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is a common congenital tumor in infants.
- Surgical intervention is standard treatment for SCT.
- Long-term functional outcomes after infant SCT surgery require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical manifestations of functional sequelae in patients treated for infantile sacrococcygeal teratoma.
- To determine the prevalence and natural history of these functional disorders.
- To compare outcomes in operated patients with age- and sex-matched controls.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for 18 infants treated for SCT.
- Analysis of data from hospital admissions and outpatient appointments.
- Prospective evaluation of 13 adult survivors (mean age 25 years) and 65 controls.
Main Results:
- Seven adult patients and 25 controls reported functional disorders (e.g., abdominal pain, constipation, urinary issues).
- In 7 of 8 symptomatic children, functional disorders resolved by adulthood.
- Adult patients showed a trend towards higher prevalence of individual dysfunctions compared to controls, though not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- Functional sequelae associated with sacrococcygeal teratoma surgery generally show improvement over time.
- The reported functional disorders are relatively common in the general population.
- Long-term monitoring and management strategies should consider the natural history of these sequelae.
Aim:
The purpose of the study was to determine clinical manifestations, prevalence, and natural history of functional sequelae in patients operated on for sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) during infancy.
Methods:
The medical records of 18 infants operated on for SCT were reviewed. Data recorded during admission and during routine outpatient appointments were analyzed. Moreover, 13 surviving patients (mean age, 25 years) and 65 age- and sex-matched controls were evaluated at a special outpatient clinic.
Results:
Seven adult patients and 25 controls presented with one or more functional disorders including abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, soiling, enuresis, urinary frequency, urinary stress incontinence, and urinary straining. In 7 of 8 symptomatic children, one or more functional disorders disappeared during adult life. In comparison with controls, adult patients had a nonsignificant higher prevalence of each individual dysfunction.
Conclusions:
Sequelae of SCT tend to improve with time, and the disorders reported are relatively common complaints in the general population.
