Presacral cysts: Transrectal excision in select patients

Fourteen patients presenting with presacral cystic lesions were managed ove r a 20-year period. Retrospective review identified 12 females and 2 males. Fifty-seven per cent were symptomatic at diagnosis. Forty-three per cent p resented with pain; half of these patients had infected cysts. All lesions were palpable on digital rectal exam. Computed tomography identified the cy st in all seven patients in which it was performed. The transrectal approac h was used for cyst excision in ten patients. One patient had transrectal d rainage and wall biopsy only. Three patients underwent posterior parasacral excision. Pathologic review demonstrated four dermoid cysts, four epidermo id cysts, four cyst hamartomas, and two benign teratomas. One cyst hamartom a had a focus of invasive adenocarcinoma. Two complications occurred. There were no deaths. Follow-up averaged 39 months, at which time there were no recurrences. Developmental cysts are the most common presacral tumors. Exci sion is recommended, and the transrectal approach may be used in select pat ients with low morbidity and minimal recurrence.