Sacrococcygeal teratomas: a case-based review from the perspective of individual multidisciplinary experts

Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is a rare congenital tumor originating from a variant of extragonadal germ cell neoplasm. Herein, we present three cases of neonatal SCTs undergoing surgical resection and reconstruction. We also review the literature to discuss the importance of proper perinatal management and timely surgical intervention depending on the tumor type and maturity to prevent malignant transformation and recurrence and ensure functional outcomes.

Three cases of SCT were retrospectively analyzed. All infants underwent complete surgical resection of the SCT and coccygectomy during their neonatal/infancy period, followed by pelvic floor and buttock reconstruction while minimizing buttock contour deformity and undesirable skin scar. Two of the cases were histopathologically diagnosed as predominantly cystic mature teratomas of Altman types I and IV, and the third was a mature teratoma of Altman type II. There were no complications or tumor recurrence during the average follow-up period of 5.3 years.

This case-based review highlights the role of multidisciplinary team approaches, including prenatal monitoring, oncologic resection, and adequate reconstruction according to the type of tumor and anomaly. Optimal perinatal evaluation allows promising oncologic and functional outcomes in terms of timely intervention to eliminate tumor recurrence and malignant transformation. Complete oncologic surgical resection of SCTs should also include proper functional preservation strategies, such as the reconstruction of the pelvic floor, cosmetic buttock contouring, and preservation of bladder and bowel sphincter function.