Laparoscopic ligation of the median sacral artery before resection of a sacrococcygeal teratoma

To minimize the risk of exsanguinating hemorrhage, the authors describe a technique of laparoscopic ligation of the median sacral artery before posterior sagittal resection of type I sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT). Two female infants with antenatally diagnosed SCT underwent postnatal evaluation and preoperative imaging and were taken to the operating room. In both patients, pneumoperitoneum was established via an epigastic 5-mm trocar. Two additional trocars were inserted in the right and left lower quadrants. The peritoneal reflection was opened to the right of the sigmoid colon, and the presacral space was explored. A large median sacral artery was identified easily, isolated, and divided. The children then were placed in a prone position, and the tumors underwent en bloc resection via a Chevron incision with minimal blood loss. The laparoscopic portion of the procedure was performed in an average of 15 minutes. This is the first report of laparoscopic ligation of the median sacral artery before posterior resection of a sacrococcygeal tumor in an infant. This technique can be performed easily with minimal morbidity. Division of this artery is a logical preventative measure and may reduce the risk of hemorrhage during operative resection.