The long-term outcome of patients diagnosed with sacrococcygeal teratoma in childhood. A study of a national cohort

Background/Purpose: The improved survival of sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) has led to increased awareness of its long-term sequelae. Our aim was to assess the long-term outcome of a national cohort using detailed questionnaires. Methods: The three paediatric surgery centres in Scotland were contacted to identify all SCT patients ≥5 years of age. Case notes were reviewed. Detailed separate questionnaires were used to assess long-term bowel, urinary and obstetric outcomes and were completed during an arranged interview. Groups were statistically compared using Z-tests or Fisher's exact test. Results: Overall, 48 patients were identified but only 31 were available for follow-up. Age ranged from 5–35 years (median 12 years and 8 months). There were 25 (81%) females and 5 (16%) patients had malignant disease. Abnormal bowel function was noted in 42% of patients, with constipation being the commonest complaint (39%) with no obvious predictive features at presentation. Urinary symptoms were reported in 55% of the patients. A total of nine (29%) patients suffered from urgency and/or wetting. Confirmed urinary tract infections (UTIs) were reported by nine patients. Successful pregnancies were reported by two females and neither of their children had SCT. Conclusions: This is one of the largest national studies assessing the long-term outcome of patients with SCT. It highlights the significant gastrointestinal and urological long-term morbidities of SCT patients, which is useful for counselling families