Intrapelvic Tumor Height (ITH) as a Promising Novel Prognostic Indicator
for long-term functional outcomes in Sacrococcygeal Teratomas
Abstract
Background: Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is considered the
most common congenital neoplasm in neonates. This study aimed to assess
long-term impacts on urinary and anorectal functions and quality of life
(QoL) in patients who underwent surgery for SCT and to identify
predictive factors for these outcomes, with a focus on the Intrapelvic
Tumor Height (ITH). Methods: This retrospective study included
patients treated surgically for SCT, between 1984 and 2017 at the Armand
Trousseau Hospital. Urologic and anorectal functions were evaluated
through clinical assessments and patient-reported outcomes through
questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed to explore
correlations between these factors and long-term functional outcomes.
Results: Twenty-six patients (median age=17 years) were
identified. With a median follow-up of 180 months [96-444 months],
12 patients (46%) presented functional impairments: seven had isolated
anorectal dysfunction and five had both urinary and anorectal
dysfunctions, including neurogenic bladder (n=2) and/or
detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia (n=3). A significant correlation was
observed between adverse outcomes and intrapelvic tumor height (ITH)
(median ITH was 27 mm in patients with impairments versus 15 mm in those
without, p<0.05). Of the 12 questionnaire respondents, two
patients experienced urinary and anorectal dysfunctions and five
experienced isolated anorectal dysfunction. Most patients reported a
good QoL, only one patient reporting a severe impact on daily life.
Conclusions: This study highlights that long-term urologic and
anorectal dysfunctions are prevalent in patients treated for SCT,
although the overall impact on quality of life remains moderate.
Importantly, ITH emerged as a more objective and accurate predictor of
functional outcomes than tumor size or Altman classification.