Prerectal tailgut cyst presenting with constipation and pseudo-rectal prolapse. A rare case presentation

Abstract

Tail gut cysts are rare congenital developmental cysts arising from the remnants of the primitive gut and occur almost exclusively in the retrorectal space. The incidence is estimated at 1:40000 with a strong female predominance. We report a case of a 6-month-old male infant presenting with constipation and a protruding rectal mass. A laparotomy revealed a cystic mass located retrovesically but anterior to the rectum, which was then resected with a combined anterior plus posterior dissection. A breach of the rectal mucosa necessitated a proximal diversion stoma. Histology revealed a Tailgut Cyst. The infant subsequently did well and had successful closure of stoma 6 months post-operatively. In this report, we present a highly unusual site of origin of a tailgut cyst(prerectal) and in the discussion we highlight the elusive nature of this diagnosis to create awareness which should allow for better recognition and appropriate therapy of this condition.