Laparoscopic approach for malignant retrorectal tumour: Better vision and lesser morbidity

The retrorectal tumours are removed by open approaches according to the type, location and size of the lesion. Malignant tumours are mostly operated by open approach owing to the fear of spillage and inability to obtain safe oncological margin. We present our recent experience of laparoscopy for a malignant retrorectal tumour. An 11 cm pre-sacral mass causing erosion of sacrum was operated with a combined approach. Transsacral approach followed laparoscopic mobilisation with the patient in prone jackknife position. Wide excision with sacrectomy was done with adequate margin. Post-operative histopathology showed dedifferentiated chordoma for which adjuvant radiotherapy was given. Laparoscopic approach provides a feasible and oncological safe alternative to the conventional approaches, especially in malignant tumour with advantages of better visualisation, minimal operative morbidity, lesser post-operative pain and shorter hospital stay. However, the surgical approach should be tailored to each patient according to patient factors, tumour characteristics and surgeon’s expertise.