Adult sacrococcygeal teratoma excised by endoscopic surgery with a transsacral approach: a case report

Background Although sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is relatively common in children, it is rare in adults. The prognosis for malignant cases is poor, so prompt surgical resection is required. Transabdominal and transsacral approaches are common approaches for tumor resection. In recent years, there have been reports of tumor removal with laparoscopic assistance, but all have applied transabdominal approaches. Case presentation A 27-year-old woman visited our gynecology department because of abdominal pain and genital bleeding. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 3-cm-sized cystic mass in the left retrorectal area, and she was referred to our department for detailed examinations and treatment. She was diagnosed with a presacral cystic tumor and decided to undergo surgery. We used a transsacral approach to perform tumor excision. Since it was difficult to confirm the deep part of the tumor through direct visualization, we used GelPOINT® Path (a transanal access platform) and AirSEAL® System (insufflation device) to remove the tumor endoscopically. The postoperative course was uneventful with no bladder or rectal dysfunction. Histopathological examination revealed a mature teratoma. Conclusions When the tumor is relatively small and located in the lower sacrum, the endoscopically assisted transsacral approach can establish a stable field of view by expanding the depth of the surgical field. This method is useful considering its ability to perform excision without leaving residual tumor tissue and satisfactory safety and cosmetic results.

The axial transsacral approach to interbody fusion at L5–S1

Lumbosacral interbody fusion may be indicated to treat degenerative disc disease at L5–S1, instability or spondylolisthesis at that level, and severe neural foraminal stenosis resulting from loss of disc space height. In addition, L5–S1 interbody fusion may provide anterior support to a long posterior fusion construct and help offset the stresses experienced by the distal-most screws. There are 3 well-established techniques for L5–S1 interbody fusion: anterior lumbar interbody fusion, posterior lumbar interbody fusion, and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. Each of these has advantages and pitfalls. A more recently described axial transsacral technique, utilizing the presacral corridor, may represent a minimally invasive approach to obtaining lumbosacral interbody arthrodesis. Biomechanical studies demonstrate that the stiffness of the axial rod is comparable to existing fixation devices, suggesting that, biomechanically, it may be a good implant for obtaining lumbosacral interbody fusion. Clinical studies have demonstrated good early results with the use of the axial transsacral approach in obtaining lumbosacral interbody fusion for degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and below long posterior fusion constructs. The technique is exacting and complications can be major, including rectal perforation and fistula, loss of correction, and pseudarthrosis.

Inferior Hypogastric Plexus Block Affects Sacral Nerves and the Superior Hypogastric Plexus

Background. The inferior hypogastric plexus mediates pain sensation through the sympathetic chain for the lower abdominal and pelvic viscera and is thought to be a major structure involved in numerous pelvic and perineal pain syndromes and conditions. Objectives. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the structures affected by an inferior hypogastric plexus blockade utilizing the transsacral approach. Study Design. This is an observational study of fresh cadaver subjects. Setting. The cadaver injections and dissections were performed at the Department of Forensic Sciences and Insurance Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary after obtaining institutional review board approval. Methods. 5 fresh cadavers underwent inferior hypogastric plexus blockade with radiographic contrast and methylene blue dye injection by the transsacral fluoroscopic technique described by Schultz followed by dissection of the pelvic and perineal structures to localize distribution of the indicator dye. Radiographs demonstrating correct needle localization by contrast spread in the specific tissue plane and photographs of the dye distribution after cadaver dissection were recorded for each subject. Results. In all cadavers the dye spread to the posterior surface of the rectum and the superior hypogastric plexus. The dye also demonstrated distribution to the anterior sacral nerve roots of S1, 2, and 3 with bilateral spread in 3 cadavers and ipsilateral spread in 2 of them. Limitations. The small number of cadaver specimens in this study limits the results and generalization of their clinical significance. Conclusions. Inferior hypogastric plexus blockade by a transsacral approach results in distribution of dye to the anterior sacral nerve roots and superior hypogastric plexus as demonstrated by dye spread in freshly dissected cadavers and not by local anesthetic spread to other pelvic and perineal viscera.

Inferior Hypogastric Plexus Blockade: A Transsacral Approach

Background: Despite recent refinements in the technique of hypogastric plexus blockade, the lower pelvic organs and genitalia are innervated by fibers from the pre-sacral inferior hypogastric plexus and these fibers are not readily blocked using paravertebral or transdiscal approaches. Design: Report of a technique to introduce a transsacral approach to blockade of the inferior hypogastric plexus. Methods: A technique for performing inferior hypogastric plexus blockade by passing a spinal needle through the sacral foramen is described with 15 blocks in 11 patients. Results: Fifteen inferior hypogastric plexus blocks were performed on 11 female patients who presented with chronic pelvic pain. Pelvic pain was decreased following 11 of the procedures with pre- and post-pain scores (SD) of 7.4 (2.3) and 5.0 (2.7), respectively (P < 0.05). There were no complications or unusual occurrences. Conclusions: This block can be performed safely and effectively if the interventionalist has a high degree of familiarity with sacral anatomy, refined needle steering technique, and expertise in fluoroscopy. Properly performed, transsacral blockade of the inferior hypogastric plexus is a safe technique for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain conditions involving the lower pelvic viscera. Key words: Pelvic pain, chronic pain, inferior hypogastric plexus block, superior hypogastric plexus, transsacral approach.