Surgical treatment of primary sacral tumors: complications associated with sacrectomy

OBJECT: Sacral tumors are relatively rare, and experience related to resection of these tumors is therefore usually limited to a small number of patients. The purpose of this retrospective study was to review the authors' experience with sacral neoplasms over the last 12 years. METHODS: Based on a review of records in 11 patients who underwent sacrectomy, and the various patient characteristics, presenting symptoms, histological findings for their tumors, as well as the type of surgical treatment used (including a whole spectrum of sacral amputations), and their outcome are reported. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the potential for complications, sacrectomy can be performed successfully, and is an important procedure in the treatment of primary sacral tumors.