title: A large giant cell tumor of the sacrum. Advantage of an abdomino-sacral approach.
abstract: We report a case of giant cell tumor of the sacrum, presenting with sacral pain, swelling, and change of bowel habits. Rectal examination revealed a huge retrorectal mass fixed to the sacrum but not to the wall of the rectum. Abdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography CT scan, and magnetic resonance imaging MRI showed a huge pelvic mass invading the sacrum. Exploration via posterior sacral approach was not successful due to both, extensive bleeding and difficult accessibility. Re-exploration was carried out 2 days later with the patient in lithotomy position. Using abdomino-sacral approach the mass together with part of the sacrum and the whole coccyx were excised. Histopathology reported giant cell tumor of the sacrum with no evidence of mitosis. The patient was symptomless 12 months after surgery and on follow up.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Sudan.
authors.forename: Abubakr H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Alla
authors.forename: Seif I
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Mahadi
authors.forename: Ahmed M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Elhassan
authors.forename: Mohamed E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Ahmed
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D018212:Giant Cell Tumor of Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D012447:Sacrum; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000379:methods