[Presacral cyst of vestigial origin in adults. Problems of diagnosis and therapy].

Concerning one case of cyst developing from embryological remnants in the retro-rectal space, the characteristics of these rare tumors are reviewed. The congenital cysts group is formed by teratomas and developmental cysts. Often they are uncovered when they become septic or when they compress adjoining organs. Computed tomography scan has proved valuable in the diagnosis of these lesions. But the precise diagnosis of a congenital cyst can only be made by pathological examination of the specimen after surgical removal. The possibility of malignant degeneration implies the systematic extirpation of any known pre-sacral cyst or tumor. Kraske's trans-sacral approach gives good access to the retro-rectal space. Sometimes, pelvic spread of these lesions requires the use of the abdominal approach. The prognosis for benign tumors is good, but it is poor for malignant tumors.