Radical excision of sacrococcygeal tumours

Abstract

Large sacrococcygeal tumours are rare and remain a difficult management problem. Chordomas are one of the most common tumours in this region and may account for 30-40 per cent of postrectal tumours. Four patients aged between 22 and 66 years, three with chordomas and one with a schwannoma, are described. Each was managed by a combined general and neurosurgical approach. Major radical excision of the tumour involving high amputation of the sacrum and lower sacral nerve root division was performed. These large lesions can be radically excised with limited postoperative morbidity and excellent preservation of neurological function, including sphincter control, provided that one S2 nerve root is left intact.