The management of retrorectal tumors – a single-center analysis of 21 cases and overview of the literature

Fechner K, Bittorf B, Langheinrich M, Weber K, Brunner M, Grützmann R, Matzel K (2024)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2024

Journal

Langenbecks Archives of Surgery Springer Verlag (Germany)

Book Volume: 409

Article Number: 279

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1007/s00423-024-03471-0

Abstract

Aim: Retrorectal tumors are rare and heterogeneous. They are often asymptomatic or present with nonspecific symptoms, making management challenging. This study examines the diagnosis and treatment of retrorectal tumors. Methods: Between 2002 and 2022, 21 patients with retrorectal tumors were treated in our department. We analyzed patient characteristics, diagnosis and treatment modalities retrospectively. Additionally, a literature review (2002–2023, “retrorectal tumors” and “presacral tumors”, 20 or more cases included) was performed. Results: Of the 21 patients (median age 54 years, 62% female), 17 patients (81%) suffered from benign lesions and 4 (19%) from malignant lesions. Symptoms were mostly nonspecific, with pain being the most common (11/21 (52%)). Diagnosis was incidental in eight cases. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 20 (95%) and biopsy was obtained in 10 (48%). Twenty patients underwent surgery, mostly via a posterior approach (14/20 (70%)). At a mean follow-up of 42 months (median 10 months, range 1–166 months), the local recurrence rate was 19%. There was no mortality. Our Pubmed search identified 39 publications. Conclusion: Our data confirms the significant heterogeneity of retrorectal tumors, which poses a challenge to management, especially considering the often nonspecific symptoms. Regarding diagnosis and treatment, our data highlights the importance of MRI and surgical resection. In particular a malignancy rate of almost 20% warrants a surgical resection in case of the findings of a retrorectal tumour. A local recurrence rate of 19% supports the need for follow up.

Authors with CRIS profile

Katja Fechner Department of Surgery Maximilian Brunner Medizinische Fakultät Robert Grützmann Lehrstuhl für Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie Klaus Matzel Medizinische Fakultät

Involved external institutions

Universität Greifswald DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Fechner, K., Bittorf, B., Langheinrich, M., Weber, K., Brunner, M., Grützmann, R., & Matzel, K. (2024). The management of retrorectal tumors – a single-center analysis of 21 cases and overview of the literature. Langenbecks Archives of Surgery, 409(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00423-024-03471-0

MLA:

Fechner, Katja, et al. "The management of retrorectal tumors – a single-center analysis of 21 cases and overview of the literature." Langenbecks Archives of Surgery 409.1 (2024).

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