Sacral cyst managed with cyst-subarachnoid shunt - A technical case report

Study Design: This report describes the cyst-subarachnoid shunt, a novel su rgical treatment, for sacral cysts. Objective: To introduce a new surgical technique for sacral cysts. Summary of Background Data: There is no consensus on the appropriate treatm ent for symptomatic sacral cysts. The hydrostatic and pulsatile forces of c erebrospinal fluid are attributed to the growth of the cyst and their becom ing symptomatic. Methods: The clinical and radiologic features of a 41-year-old man with a s ymptomatic sacral cyst are detailed. A cyst-subarachnoid shunt was set to e qualize the cerebrospinal fluid pressure between the cephalad thecal sac an d the cyst. Results: Immediately after surgery, the patient had no pain in his left leg and was free of pain at 2 years. Magnetic resonance imaging 1 year after s urgery showed a decrease in the size of the cyst. Conclusion: Although this is a preliminary study, a cyst-subarachnoid shunt can be a useful alternative for symptomatic sacral cysts.