Retrorectal vestigial cyst in adults.

Study aim: The aim of this retrospective study was to report three cases of retrorectal vestigial cyst in adults. Patients and method: From 1977 to 1999 retrorectal vestigial cyst (RVC) was diagnosed in our department in three women who were 28, 57 and 53 years of age, respectively RVC was revealed by either pain (n = 2) that occurred in one case in a pregnant woman, or acute intestinal: obstruction (n = 1). Th e patients were operated on using a perineal approach in two cases and an a bdominal approach: in one case. Results: One epidermoid cyst and two mixed cysts without any sign of malign ancy were observed. Postoperative follow-up was simple in two patients, whi le complications occurred in the third one via an uretero-vaginal fistula w hich required uretero-vesical reimplantation. The first two patients, revie wed after a 1-year follow-up, had no functional trouble and no sign of recu rrence. Conclusion: Retrorectal vestigial cysts are very rare tumors with a risk fo r degeneration. Computerized tomography on nuclear magnetic resonance and e ndorectal ultrasonography allow detection of their structure and topography and help guide their surgical approach. In the absence of malignancy, wide excision, if possible without opening of the cystic wall, leads to good re sults. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.