title: Case report: tailgut cyst--assessment with transrectal ultrasound.
abstract: Tailgut cysts are derivatives of the embryonic post-anal gut. Usually asymptomatic, they are discovered in adult life as an incidental retrorectal mass. Complications include infection, with the formation of retrorectal abscesses and occasionally and fistulae, and a long-term risk of malignant change, which means that once discovered surgical excision is advised. We present a case that was assessed pre-operatively with transrectal ultrasound. The findings were of a well defined cystic lesion, with no evidence of invasion. We believe that transrectal ultrasound is of value in assessing retrorectal lesions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Leeds General Infirmary.
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Hutton
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Benson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003560:Cysts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012007:Rectum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography