title: Laparoscopic-assisted excision of sacrococcygeal teratoma in children.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is one of the most common tumors encountered in the neonatal period. Traditionally, a large abdominal incision is required for the combined abdominal perineal approach for the complete resection of type II-IV tumors. In this paper, we report our experience of using the combined laparoscopic perineal approach in treating these tumors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between November 2000 and September 2004, 4 patients with SCT were treated by the combined approach. The operation was started with the laparoscopic mobilization of the pelvic part of the tumor, followed by the completion excision and tumor retrieval through the perineal route.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The operation was successfully completed in all patients, with a mean operative time of 279 minutes. There was no complication related to the laparoscopic dissection. Postoperative recovery was uneventful in all patients, except in 1 with a minor wound problem. At a median follow-up of 46.5 months, there was no recurrence encountered in all these patients and the cosmetic result was excellent. Functional outcome was satisfactory, except in the patient with spinal metastases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The combined laparoscopic and perineal approach provides a safe, excellent access in removing type II-IV SCT in infants.
authors: Division of Paediatric Surgery & Paediatric Urology, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China. drkhlee@hotmail.com
authors: Kim Hung
authors: KH
authors: Lee
authors: Yuk Him
authors: YH
authors: Tam
authors: Kin Wai
authors: KW
authors: Chan
authors: Shing Tak
authors: ST
authors: Cheung
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: Sihoe
authors: Chung Kwong
authors: CK
authors: Yeung
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D010386:Pelvic Neoplasms / Q000151:congenital / Q000601:surgery*; D010502:Perineum / Q000601:surgery; D012445:Sacrococcygeal Region; D013724:Teratoma / Q000151:congenital / Q000601:surgery*