Transsacral removal of rectal leiomyomas from the same patient on two occasions: report of a case

An unusually large rectal leiomyoma was excised by the transsacral approach. It recurred six years later and was removed once again in similar fashion. Reoperation was found to be not difficult, though added care is necessary to identify the sphincters, which have a paler appearance. Nerve damage can be kept to a minimum if the same incision is employed. Despite the palliative nature of the operation, the patient was spared total rectal excision and colostomy.