RETRORECTAL TUMORS COMPLICATING PREGNANCY - REPORT OF 2 CASES

PURPOSE: Retrorectal tumors are rate entities often found in females d uring reproductive age. Reports of retrorectal tumors complicating pre gnancy are scant. This study presents two cases of retrorectal tumors complicating pregnancy and a literature review. METHODS: Two patients bearing retrorectal tumors diagnosed during pregnancy were referred to our care at the postpartum period. Both then underwent exploratory la parotomy. RESULTS: One patient had premature delivery by cesarean sect ion because of hemorrhage from abruptio placentae followed by fetal mo rtality. Attempts to resect the tumor immediately after delivery had b een unfruitful. The tumor was also unresectable on exploratory laparot omy. Biopsy studies of the tumor mere consistent with low-grade myosar coma. Another patient had a benign cystic mass that had been conservat ively monitored throughout pregnancy. A healthy baby was delivered at term by cesarean section. The cyst was later resected via Kraske's inc ision and was diagnosed as cystic teratoma. CONCLUSIONS: Retrorectal t umors may cause significant local effects such as complicated pregnanc y. Early detection in the population at risk is needed, as correct dia gnosis and treatment may be done only on surgical exploration. During pregnancy, careful monitoring of advanced tumors is mandatory and may be sufficient to prevent maternal and fetal complications.