PURPOSE: Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is the most common congenital neoplasm in neonates. We wished to assess the long-term functional outcome of children undergoing SCT resection. METHODS: Records of neonates diagnosed with SCT from two surgeons' practices, and operated on between 1970 and 2006, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients/parents who consented to participate in the study received a questionnaire, focusing on fecal and urinary continence, constipation and lower extremity weakness. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were identified. Four had died (3 from malignant tumors and 1 motor vehicle accident at 18 years). Of the 42 remaining cases, 39 were benign and 3 were malignant; 2 of the former developed malignant recurrences. Twenty-seven agreed to participate and 14 (52%) completed the questionnaire. Median age of respondents was 16.7 years (3-29), and none of the respondents had a recurrent tumor. Thirteen of the 14 respondents experienced no problem with urinary or fecal incontinence, or lower extremity weakness. The remaining patient had all three problems, but his SCT had involved the spinal cord. Of the ten patients who commented on constipation, one had significant constipation, five occasional constipation, and four no constipation. CONCLUSIONS: Functional results after resection of neonatal SCT are excellent, with only a small number of patients reporting problems with fecal or urinary continence, or lower extremity weakness. Constipation is relatively common. This information is important for counseling families with fetal or neonatal SCT.
PURPOSE:Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is the most common congenital neoplasm in neonates. We wished to assess the long-term functional outcome of children undergoing SCT resection. METHODS: Records of neonates diagnosed with SCT from two surgeons' practices, and operated on between 1970 and 2006, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients/parents who consented to participate in the study received a questionnaire, focusing on fecal and urinary continence, constipation and lower extremity weakness. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were identified. Four had died (3 from malignant tumors and 1 motor vehicle accident at 18 years). Of the 42 remaining cases, 39 were benign and 3 were malignant; 2 of the former developed malignant recurrences. Twenty-seven agreed to participate and 14 (52%) completed the questionnaire. Median age of respondents was 16.7 years (3-29), and none of the respondents had a recurrent tumor. Thirteen of the 14 respondents experienced no problem with urinary or fecal incontinence, or lower extremity weakness. The remaining patient had all three problems, but his SCT had involved the spinal cord. Of the ten patients who commented on constipation, one had significant constipation, five occasional constipation, and four no constipation. CONCLUSIONS: Functional results after resection of neonatal SCT are excellent, with only a small number of patients reporting problems with fecal or urinary continence, or lower extremity weakness. Constipation is relatively common. This information is important for counseling families with fetal or neonatal SCT.
Authors: Joep P M Derikx; Antoine De Backer; Léon van de Schoot; Daniel C Aronson; Zacharias J de Langen; Thelma L van den Hoonaard; Nicolaas M A Bax; Frans van der Staak; L W Ernest van Heurn Journal: J Pediatr Surg Date: 2007-06 Impact factor: 2.545
Authors: Satu-Liisa Pauniaho; Olga Tatti; Pekka Lahdenne; Harry Lindahl; Mikko Pakarinen; Risto Rintala; Markku Heikinheimo Journal: Tumour Biol Date: 2010-04-02