The challenges of providing rehabilitation for patients undergoing sacrectomy: two case reports

Sacral neoplasms often present as large masses that often require sacrectomy. Multiple sacral nerve roots may be compromised post-sacrectomy and postoperative complications may result in impaired mobility, pain, orthostasis, and neurogenic bowel and bladder.

Case 1, 58 year-old female with a sacral solitary fibrous tumor underwent a high-level sacrectomy and bilateral gluteal muscle flaps. Her rehabilitation course included management of pain, orthostasis, and neurogenic bowel and bladder. Case 2, 67 year-old male with sacral chordoma underwent high-level sacrectomy and bilateral gluteal muscle flaps. His rehabilitation course was complicated by refractory orthostatic hypotension, pain, and wound impairment, which resulted in slow rehabilitation progression and bowel and bladder training. Progression of activity in both cases was limited by surgical restrictions to support wound healing.

Multidisciplinary efforts after a sacrectomy are vital to successful rehabilitation. Highly functional outcomes are seen, including independent bowel and bladder management and return to preoperative ambulatory status.