Sacral resection. Operative technique and outcome
T. Touran, D. B. Frost and T. X. O'Connell
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif.
Tumors involving the sacrum are difficult to treat. These include both
primary tumors of the sacrum and locally invasive colorectal carcinomas.
Sacral resection is often the only effective alternative for meaningful
palliation or cure of sacral tumors. A review of 20 cases of sacral
resections for primary sacral tumors (8) and locally invasive anorectal
cancers (12) is presented. The mortality (0%) and morbidity (35% urinary
complications, 25% wound disruptions, 1600-mL median blood loss) compare
favorably with reports in the literature. Long-term survival was achieved
with primary tumors of the sacrum. Local control of disease was achieved in
the majority of patients with rectal cancer, with good palliation of
preoperative pain. Long-term survival, however, is rare in this group.
Surgical resection of sacral tumors can be undertaken with acceptable
morbidity and mortality in selected patients.
