Late effects in patients with sacrococcygeal teratoma: A single center series

The aim of this study is to evaluate late side effects that affect quality of life in children with sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT).

The patients with SCT were evaluated retrospectively. The data were expressed by percentage and the subgroups were compared statistically.

A total of 40 children with SCT were identified with median age 12 days (range: 1 day-14.6 years), 27 of whom were analyzed in this study with urodynamic data available for 24 and anal manometric evaluations for 20. Chronic constipation with need for laxative was reported in (7/27) 25.9%, fecal incontinence was present in (1/27) 3.7%, and urodynamic abnormalities were reported in (16/24) 66%. Among those with urodynamic abnormalities, low bladder capacity, dyssyergia and neurogenic bladder were observed in (21/24) 87.5% and anticholinergic treatment was applied. Urinary incontinence was present in (2/27) 7%, with clean intermittent catheterization utilized in (7/27) 25.9%. While defecation was observed more in the patients with Altman types II, III, and IV, micturation problems were observed more in the patients with Altman types II and IV. It was found that urodynamic dysfunctions were more frequent in the patients with increased number of operations.

Although the rate of symptomatic patients was low, abnormalities determined by radiological and urodynamic evaluations were high.