Critical elements of pediatrics sacrococcygeal germ cell tumor surgery

Abstract

Sacrococcygeal teratoma is the most common extragonadal germ cell tumor in the pediatric population, and accounts for approximately 70% of all teratomas in childhood.^1,2 They present in two distinct phases, with most cases seen in neonates with large predominately exophytic tumors, often detected in utero on prenatal sonography or at birth. A smaller cohort presents in older infants and children with primarily hidden tumors in the pelvis which have a much higher rate of malignancy. The primary surgical objective is complete tumor resection without compromise to critical structures or function. Herein we outline the critical elements of tumor resection and management of sacrococcygeal germ cell tumors with a focus on the technical aspects of this tumor across a range of presentations.