Retrorectal tumor: a single-center 10-years' experience

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Radiology

Background:

• Retrorectal tumors (RTs) are uncommon, with limited established guidelines for optimal surgical management.
• The complexity and heterogeneity of RTs necessitate careful evaluation and planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the surgical outcomes and long-term follow-up results for patients undergoing excision of retrorectal tumors (RTs).
• To contribute to the understanding of best practices for managing these rare neoplasms.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 20 patients who underwent surgery for RTs between January 2009 and January 2019.
• Evaluation included demographic data, symptoms, diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT), surgical approaches, histopathology, complications, hospital stay, and mortality/readmission rates.

Main Results:

• The mean age of patients was 48.3 years; perineal pain was the most frequent symptom (35%).
• The posterior surgical approach was used for 14 patients with tumors below the third sacral vertebra.
• No postoperative mortality was observed; mean hospital stay was 8.6 days, with a 10% 90-day readmission rate. One recurrence (chordoma) was noted.

Conclusions:

• Management of retrorectal tumors (RTs) requires a multidisciplinary team approach due to tumor complexity.
• Detailed radiological imaging and a thorough understanding of pelvic anatomy are vital for surgical planning.
• Complete surgical resection is essential for achieving prolonged disease-free and overall survival in patients with RTs.