Urologic co-morbidities associated with sacrococcygeal teratoma and a rational plan for urologic surveillance.

BACKGROUND: Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is one of the most common neonatal and fetal tumors. SCT pelvic mass effect and the need for aggressive surgical resection, create potential for urologic co-morbidity. We reviewed our experience with SCTs and propose a rational plan for urologic surveillance. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients with SCT evaluated at our institution from 2004 to 2011. We collected data on the need for reconstructive surgery related to the urologic co-morbidity, the time to detection of urologic co-morbidity, and length of follow-up. RESULTS: We identified 28 patients evaluated during the study period with a median follow-up of 3.1 year (range 0.14-13.4). The Altman classifications were--type I: 7 (25%), II: 15 (53.6%), and III: 6 (21.4%). Eighteen (64.3%) patients had an associated urologic co-morbidity: 12 (42.9%) patients had hydronephrosis, VUR--10 (35.7%), NGB--13 (46.4%), and 4 (14.3%) developed ≥CKD2. When comparing the patients according to Altman classification, there was a trend towards more urologic co-morbidity in patients with increasing pelvic involvement, P = 0.06. Eleven patients (39.3%) had delayed urologic evaluation and five (17.9%) required reconstructive urologic surgery. In comparing these groups, 4 of 11 (36.4%) undergoing delayed urologic evaluation progressed to reconstruction, as opposed to only one of 17 (5.7%) with urologic evaluation within first year of life (P-value = 0.06). CONCLUSION: Urologic co-morbidities are common in children with SCT and appear most common in patients with more pelvic tumor involvement (≥Altman II). A risk-adapted approach to urologic surveillance is proposed.