Chinese expert consensus on standardized treatment of presacral cysts / 中华肿瘤杂志

ABSTRACT

Presacral cysts are cystic or cyst-solid lesions between the sacrum and rectum. They are closely connected with adjacent pelvic floor structures such as sacrococcygeal fascia, rectum and anal sphincter. They are usually benign and are believed to be caused by aberrant embryogenesis. Clinically they are rare and its true incidence rate is unknown. Surgical resection remains the major treatment of presacral cysts. Unless the cysts are completely resected, the recurrence are unavoidable. The recurrent cysts even generate hard-to-heal sinus in the sacrococcyx, and cause the patients extreme pain. However, the current knowledge of presacral cysts is vague, even confused with other diseases such as ovarian cysts and perianal abscesses. Moreover, lack of the correct surgical concept or skills leads to palliative treatment of complex presacral cysts and serious complications such as fecal incontinence and massive haemorrhage which were attributed to impairing the function of anal sphincter or important blood vessels and nerves. The consensus summarizes the opinions and experiences of multidisciplinary experts in presacral cysts, and aims to provide clinicians with more detailed concept of the treatment, standardize the surgical approach and improve the resected efficacy of presacral cysts.