Our Summary

A 40-year-old man went to the Kochi Health Sciences Center because he was experiencing discomfort in his perineal area, which is the region between the anus and the genitals. He underwent a pelvic MRI, which revealed a cyst in the space behind his rectum. This cyst was diagnosed as a Tailgut cyst, a rare type of cyst that can form near the tailbone. Surgeons decided to remove the cyst using a surgical procedure from the back side. They removed the cyst along with the tailbone in one piece. After examining the cyst under a microscope, they determined that it was not cancerous, and they had successfully removed all of it. The man is doing well and there has been no sign of the cyst coming back after almost two years.

FAQs

  1. What is a Tailgut cyst and where is it located?
  2. What approach was used to resect the Tailgut cyst in the case study?
  3. What were the histopathological findings of the resected tumor in the case study?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tumor resection is to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. This may include taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding strenuous activities until cleared by the medical team. It is also important to report any unusual symptoms or changes in the surgical area to your healthcare provider promptly. Following these recommendations can help ensure a successful recovery after tumor resection.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for tumor resection include those with suspicious or confirmed malignant tumors, large tumors causing symptoms or complications, tumors that are causing obstruction or compression of nearby structures, tumors that are rapidly growing, or tumors that are causing significant pain or discomfort. In the case of Tailgut cysts, surgical resection is often recommended to prevent potential complications such as infection, obstruction, or malignant transformation.

Timeline

Before tumor resection:

  • Patient presents with perineal incongruity as chief complaint
  • Pelvic MRI reveals multilocular cystic lesion in retrorectal space
  • Diagnosis of Tailgut cyst is made
  • Surgical resection is recommended

After tumor resection:

  • Tailgut cyst is curatively resected using a posterior approach
  • Lesion is removed en bloc with the coccyx
  • Histopathological analysis confirms non-malignant nature of the cyst
  • Surgical margin is negative
  • Patient is currently doing well without recurrence at 20 months post-surgery

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with tumor resection in the retrorectal space?

  2. How will the surgery impact my bowel and bladder function?

  3. How long is the recovery period expected to be after the surgery?

  4. Will I need any additional treatments or follow-up care after the resection?

  5. What is the likelihood of the tumor recurring after resection?

  6. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?

  7. How experienced are you in performing tumor resections in the retrorectal space?

  8. Will I need any special accommodations or modifications to my lifestyle after the surgery?

  9. Can you explain the potential impact of the tumor resection on my overall quality of life?

  10. Are there any specific dietary or activity restrictions I should follow after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Yoshimoto K, Inada R, Watanabe A, Toshima T, Kuroda E, Kimura J, Katsura Y, Takata N, Sato T, Sui K, Oishi K, Murokawa T, Okabayashi T, Takabatake D, Ozaki K, Shibuya Y, Nakamura T, Fukui Y, Matsumoto M, Iwata J. Journal: Gan To Kagaku Ryoho. 2021 Mar;48(3):379-381. PMID: 33790162