Tailgut cysts

Retrorectal cystic hamartomas (tailgut cysts) are rare congenital lesions thought to arise from remnants of the embryonic postanal gut. They predominantly occur as asymptomatic retrorectal multicystic masses in women. The treatment of choice is by complete surgical excision. The most important complications of these cysts are infection with a secondary fistula and malignant degeneration. The differential diagnosis includes a wide variety of conditions that occur in the retrorectal space. In this article, 3 cases showing different surgical technical aspects of treatment are presented. In addition, the aetiopathogenic features and histopathological appearance, clinical presentation and complications, imaging features and differential diagnosis of tailgut cysts are described.     

Tailgut cyst (retrorectal cystic hamartoma): report of a case and review of the literature

Tailgut cysts are rare congenital lesions arising from remnants of normally regressing postanal primitive gut. They often present in middle-aged women with perirectal symptoms and a retrorectal multicystic mass. These cysts have occasionally shown malignant transformation. We report a case of a tailgut cyst occurring in a 25-year-old African-American female. The differential diagnosis of a retrorectal mass is briefly explored, and the etiology, diagnostic strategy, and surgical approach for tailgut cysts is examined. We also report an extensive literature review to examine clinical characteristics and surgical data for 43 cases of tailgut cysts spanning 16 years.     

Surgical excision of developmental retrorectal cysts: results with long-term follow-up from a single institution

Developmental cysts are very rare lesions occurring in the retrorectal space, and include epidermoid, dermoid, tailgut cysts and teratomas. There is little information on their natural history and biologic behavior, although a recent paper reported a greater incidence of malignant transformation than previously thought. The diagnosis requires high-resolution imaging, and complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice. In this paper we analyzed short- and long-term results of surgical excision of six retrorectal developmental cysts observed at our institution over a period of 11?years. All patients were women, three were referred with an infected perineal fistula/pelvic abscess after having undergone drainage surgery elsewhere. In these three patients, excision was attempted through a trans-perineal approach, which was technically demanding and ultimately incomplete because of the intense surrounding inflammation. Multiple re-interventions were required for tumor recurrence, and two of them still present an occasional perineal discharge. In the other three patients, a trans-perineal or trans-anal route was employed according to tumor location, without any recurrence at a median follow-up of 118.5?months. Final pathologic diagnosis included five tailgut cysts and one teratoma. This paper shows that the treatment of developmental cysts may be very challenging, especially when they are associated with a concomitant fistula/abscess and are not correctly diagnosed at presentation. In our experience, healing was finally achieved in four patients out of six. All the lesions were benign, and no malignant transformation was observed during follow-up, even in tumors partially resected.     

Tailgut cyst: A case report in a 9-month-old infant

INTRODUCTIONTailgut cysts or retrorectal cystic hamartomas are rare developmental anomalies that are believed to arise from the embryonic hindgut.PRESENTATION OF CASE9 months old male infant was presented with swelling in the right gluteal region. MRI lumbo-sacral spine showed well defined round to oval lesion which is brightly hypertense on T2W1 and hypotense on T1W1 posterior to sacrum and coccyx with no evidence of connection to the thecal sac indicating cyst. Complete excision of the cyst was done. Histopathology report shows cyst wall partially lined with stratified squamous epithelium and cyst wall shows spaces lined by cuboidal epithelium and nerve bundles with no evidence of malignancy suggestive of tailgut cyst.DISCUSSIONTailgut cysts are rare congenital anomalies. Most commonly located in the retrorectal space. They are thought to be derived from the remnants of the embryonic hindgut. Age ranges from 4 to 73 years but an average presentation is at 35 years. Female to male ratio is 3:1. MRI is a good diagnostic tool for diagnosis of tailgut cyst. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice as this provides a definite diagnosis and prevents possible complications such as infection, fistula formation and malignant degeneration.CONCLUSIONThe aim of presenting this case is its rarity. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice. Preoperative imaging with MRI is essential to plan the most appropriate surgical approach.     

A tailgut cyst found accompanying rectal cancer: Report of a case

Tailgut cysts are rare congenital lesions. To date, only four cases have been reported in Japan, and the occurrence of a tailgut cyst with rectal cancer has never been documented. We describe here the case of a patient in whom a tailgut cyst in the retrorectal space was associated with rectal cancer. Preoperative computed tomography scans and endorectal ultrasonography failed to identify the lesion as cystic, instead suggesting an involved lymph node. This case emphasizes the necessity for careful diagnosis of masses in the retrorectal space in patients with rectal cancer.     

Tailgut cyst: report of three cases and review of the literature

Introduction: Tailgut cysts or retrorectal cystic hamartomas are congenital developmental lesions which are often misdiagnosed due to their rare incidence, anatomical position and variable clinical presentation.

Case report: We report three clinical cases: one of a 67-year old woman with high fever and anal bulging; the second case was a 50-year old woman with diffuse abdominal pain and the third case was a 52-year old woman with high fever and no abdominal or rectal pain. The rectal examination and MRI indicated the presence of a tailgut cyst. In all the cases a complete resection through a posterior perineal route was performed. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a tailgut cyst, with a malignant component identified in the third case.

Discussion: The discussion presents a brief review of the relevant information described in the literature to highlight the cornerstones for appropriate diagnosis and treatment of a tailgut cyst. Tailgut cysts are to be considered in the differential diagnosis of retrorectal or presacral masses as malignant transformation can occur.     

Perirenal tailgut cyst (cystic hamartoma)

Tailgut cysts are rare congenital multicystic lesions preferentially occurring in the retrorectal space. They are assumed to arise from the remnant of embryonic tailgut and occasionally exhibit malignant transformation. The authors herein describe the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features of an unusual perirenal tailgut cyst with an emphasis on its histogenesis and distinction from other intraabdominal cystic lesions.     

Isolated intradural lumbosacral tailgut cyst with carcinoid features

Tailgut cysts are developmental cysts that arise from remnants of the embryonic postanal gut and are typically located within the presacral, retrorectal space. Isolated cases of aberrant locations, including prerectal, perirenal, perianal, retrovesical, and subcutaneous locations, have been reported. Malignant transformations with the presence of adenocarcinomas or carcinoids have been recognized within these entities. It is well recognized that anterior sacrococcygeal abnormalities are present and are frequently caused by the slow-growing nature of the tailgut cysts and related mass effect; however, the authors are aware of no reports in the literature of isolated tailgut cysts within the thecal sac in direct contact with neural elements, without extension into the peritoneal cavity. In this case, a 28-year-old woman presented with progressive back pain, frequent urinary tract infections, and bowel dysfunction. She was found to have a purely intradural tailgut cyst with malignant transformation consistent with carcinoid. No peritoneal extension of her disease was found. The authors hypothesize that this is a rare developmental aberration that has not been commonly recognized and potentially has implications for embryological development.     

Tailgut cysts: rare retrorectal tumours

Two patients presented with tailgut cysts. The first patient complained of pain and pressure in the sacrococcygeal region. The second patient had developed a cystic mass superficial to the coccyx. Pelvic CT scans of both patients demonstrated a retrorectal mass. Both tumours were excised through a posterior para-sacrococcygeal approach with resection of the coccyx.     

Unusual retrorectal lesion

Retrorectal lesions are rare entities. We report the complete clinicopathological details of an unusual retrorectal lesion composed of low-grade endometrioid adenocarcinoma and propose that this is a malignant change in pluripotent cells arising within a long-standing retrorectal tailgut lesion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of this malignancy in a retrorectal tailgut cyst.     

Retrorectal cyst: a rare tumor frequently misdiagnosed

BACKGROUND: The rarity of retrorectal cysts and their nonspecific clinical presentations often lead to misdiagnoses and inappropriate operations. In recent years, several such patients have been referred to our institutions for evaluation and treatment of misdiagnosed retrorectal cysts. A review of these patients is presented. STUDY DESIGN: Medical records of the colorectal surgery divisions at two institutions were reviewed. Patients found to have previously misdiagnosed retrorectal cysts were identified. Preliminary diagnoses, radiologic examinations, operative procedures, and final diagnoses were obtained. RESULTS: Seven patients with retrorectal cysts who had been misdiagnosed before referral were identified. These patients had been treated for fistulae in ano, pilonidal cysts, perianal abscesses; psychogenic, lower back, posttraumatic, or postpartum pain, and proctalgia fugax before the correct diagnosis was made. Patients underwent an average of 4.1 operative procedures. Physical examination in combination with CT scanning made the correct diagnosis in all patients. All patients underwent successful resection through a parasacrococcygeal approach, and six of seven did not require coccygectomy. The resected tumors included four hamartomas, two epidermoid cysts, and one enteric duplication cyst. CONCLUSIONS: Retrorectal cysts are a rare entity that can be difficult to diagnose without a high index of clinical suspicion. A history of multiple unsuccessful procedures should alert the clinician to the diagnosis of retrorectal cyst. Once suspected, the correct diagnosis can be made with physical examination and a CT scan before a definitive surgical procedure.     

Transvaginal excision of a retrorectal tumor presenting as rectocele

Tumors occupying the retrorectal (presacral) space are uncommon and heterogeneous. It is estimated that an average of two patients with retrorectal tumors will be diagnosed per year in a standard metropolitan area. They are usually asymptomatic and diagnosed during routine physical examination incidentally. Our case was admitted with complaints of a swelling in her vagina, constipation, and difficulty in emptying her bowels. The diagnosis and treatment utilizing transvaginal approach in this case is discussed in comparison with the literature. Up to our knowledge, this is the first case presenting as rectocele and second case of retrorectal tumor surgically treated using transvaginal approach.     

Retrorectal cystic hamartoma: A case report

Retrorectal tumors are a rare group of tumors that can be of benign or malignant origin, the differential diagnosis concerns all retrorectal tumors. We report a case of a huge retrorectal cystic hamartoma in which surgical excision was performed.A 58 years-old female presented with a low back pain and constipation. Digital rectal examination found a renitent cystic mass compressing the posterior wall of the rectum. Colonoscopy showed a tumor compressing the rectum. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed a presacral cystic formation. Surgical resection using laparotomy was performed. The patient made a full recovery and was released eight days after the surgery. Histological examination of the mass revealed a retrorectal cystic hamartoma.     

Tailgut cyst in a neonate

Tailgut cyst is a rare lesion of developmental origin located in the retrorectal space, which usually presents as a multilocular cystic mass. It is usually found in adults, and neonatal cases are extremely rare. The authors report a tailgut cyst in a neonate that was found by prenatal ultrasonogram, which was like a teratoma in gross appearance.     

Resection of presacral ganglioneurofibroma by laparascopy

Background. Tumors of the retrorectal space are rare. They comprise a heterogeneous group of benign or malignant tumors that cause similar symptoms due to their location in presacral space. If possible, complete surgery excision is the therapy of choice mainly through a sacral, abdominal–sacral, or a pure abdominal or perineal axis. Case report. A 15-year-old asymptomatic patient was diagnosed with a retrouterine tumor during her first gynecological examination. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis showed a 10 × 8.5 × 7-cm encapsulated presacral tumor. Retrorectal ganglioneurofibroma was removed by laparoscopy with preservation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves and the sacral roots of the ischiadic nerves. No sensory or motoric dysfunction of the legs, bladder, or rectum was observed postoperatively. Conclusion. This is the first case report of a complete endoscopic removal of large presacral ganglioneurofibroma in an asymptomatic woman.     

Presacral epidermoid cyst. A case report

INTRODUCTION: Most of the primitive cystic neoplasms arising in the retrorectal presacral space are congenital. Presacral epidermoid cysts are classified as a type of developmental cysts, resulting from an error during the embryogenesis. They have a slowly-progressive growth that only lately can cause clinically remarkable symptoms. Most patients are middle-aged women. They are often asymptomatic. The discovery is almost always casual. It happens during controls like US, CT MRI, gynecological visit. The surgical treatment must be effected for a correct diagnosis of nature of the lesion and to remove the mass. In fact, infective complications may occur and the increasing volume of the cyst can give clinical symptoms. Posterior approach is indicated for low or mid presacral space tumors; it is the most commonly followed route. The abdominal approach may be adequate for large developmental cysts. CASE REPORT: A case of an incidentally found large presacral epidermoid cyst in a young woman, which was excised through an abdominal approach is reported.     

Lesions Originating Within the Retrorectal Space: A Diverse Group Requiring Individualized Evaluation and Surgery

Background

Tumors occurring within the retrorectal space are rare and their low incidence has led to a paucity of literature regarding them.

Methods

Adult patients with retrorectal tumors managed at this institution from 1981–2011 were identified. A retrospective chart review was conducted to obtain relevant data.

Results

Retrorectal tumors were identified in 87 patients (67 female) with median age at diagnosis of 44 years (19–88), and median follow-up 8 months (0.1–225). Of the 25 different histologic tumors diagnosed, hamartomas were most common (32 %; n?=?28) followed by epidermal cysts (11 %; n?=?10), and teratomas (10 %; n?=?9). Twenty-six percent (23/87) of all tumors were malignant. CT scans were obtained in 84 % (73/87) of patients, MRI in 59 % (51/87), and TRUS in 16 % (14/87). While 74 % (64/87) of tumors were at or below the S4 level, operative approach was strictly posterior in 73 % (46/63) of these tumors. Twenty-eight percent (24/87) of patients underwent diagnostic biopsy with no reported biopsy site recurrence. Thirty percent (7/23) of resected malignant (all recurrences: distant) and eleven percent (7/64) of benign tumors (all recurrences: local) recurred. Survival was 70 % (16/23) for malignant tumors and 98 % (63/64) for benign tumors.

Conclusions

Retrorectal tumors remain heterogeneous and a diagnostic challenge. Pre-operative imaging may help guide surgeons; however, malignancy portends worse outcomes. Despite preoperative biopsy site recurrence concerns, no patient in this study had biopsy site recurrence. As their natural history remains unclear, more studies are necessary to further characterize their behavior.     

Tumors of the perionychium

Tumors of the nail bed are not as rare as we might imagine. Frequent marked delay in diagnosis or misdiagnosis not only contributes to these problems, but may even, on occasion, threaten a patient's life. Because the characteristics of these tumors in their earliest stages are subtle and their growth insidious they are easily missed by even careful observers. Special discussions on cysts, dermatofibroma, fibrous tissue lesions, glomus tumor, hemangioma, infection, neurofibroma, and sweat gland tumors are included.     

Treatment of tailgut cysts by extended distal rectal segmental resection with rectoanal anastomosis

Purpose

Complete surgical resection is the treatment of choice for tailgut cysts, because of their malignant potential and tendency to regrow if incompletely resected. We report our experience of treating patients with tailgut cysts, and discuss diagnostics, surgical approaches, and follow-up.

Methods

We performed extended distal rectal segmental resection of the tailgut cyst, with rectoanal anastomosis. We report the clinical, radiological, pathological, and surgical findings, describe the procedures performed, and summarize follow-up data.

Results

Two patients underwent en-bloc resection of a tailgut cyst, the adjacent part of the levator muscle, and the distal rectal segment, followed by an end-to-end rectoanal anastomosis. There was no evidence of anastomotic leakage postoperatively. At the time of writing, our patients were relapse-free with no, or non-limiting, symptoms of anal incontinence, respectively.

Conclusions

This surgical approach appears to have a low complication rate and good recovery outcomes. Moreover, as the sphincter is preserved, so is the postoperative anorectal function. This approach could result in a low recurrence rate.

     

Tumors about the knee in children

Tumors are rare causes of knee symptoms in children but must be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric knee pain in order to avoid errors in treatment that could result in loss of limb or even life. Experience with 199 bone and soft-tissue tumors about the knee in children are reviewed. The majority of lesions were benign bone tumors (n = 101), with osteocartilaginous exostoses, nonossifying fibromas, and chondroblastomas predominating. Malignant bone tumors (n = 59) were less frequent, and osteosarcoma (n = 48) was by far the most common sarcoma. Soft-tissue lesions (n = 31) were much less frequent and included rhabdomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, fibrosarcoma, and desmoid tumors. A careful history, physical examination, and review of roentgenograms are essential to avoid errors in diagnosis. Malignant tumors require roentgenograms and laboratory studies in sequence to stage the patient. A properly performed biopsy established the diagnosis in most instances. Popliteal cysts, stress fractures, infection, myositis ossificans, histiocytosis, and other lesions can mimic tumors and delay correct diagnosis.