Tailgut cyst—A rare retrorectal tumor

A case of a tailgut cyst is presented. This rare, benign tumor must be considered in the differential diagnosis of retrorectal tumors. The anatomy of the retrorectal space is described and the embryology of a tailgut cyst briefly reviewed. The authors' purpose is to acquaint physicians and surgeons with the entity of tailgut cysts so that an earlier diagnosis can be made and the proper treatment effected.