• Gregory S McLoughlin, Daniel M Sciubba, Ian Suk, Timothy Witham, Ali Bydon, Ziya L Gokaslan, and Jean-Paul Wolinsky.
• Division of Neurosurgery, University of Saskatchewan, Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, Canada.
• Neurosurgery. 2008 Jul 1;63(1 Suppl 1):ONS115-20; discussion ONS120.

ObjectiveTotal sacrectomies are performed for extensive en bloc tumor resections. Exposure traditionally combines a posterior approach with a laparotomy to facilitate vascular control. We present a case of a total en bloc sacrectomy performed entirely through the posterior approach, thereby avoiding the need for a laparotomy.Clinical PresentationA 57-year-old man presented with sacral pain and loss of bowel and bladder function. A large sacral mass was identified and submitted to biopsy. Results were consistent with an osteoblastoma, although osteosarcoma could not be excluded on pathological examination. The patient was taken to the operating room for a total sacrectomy and en bloc resection of the mass.TechniqueLateral iliac osteotomies were performed, followed by an L5-S1 discectomy and resection of the annulus, thus mobilizing the sacrum. Gradual distraction of the interspace coupled with upward traction of the sacrum provided an anterior exposure through which the internal iliac vessels were controlled, dissected, and divided. A combined transperineal approach completed the posterior dissection and the tumor was delivered en bloc. Lumbopelvic reconstruction was performed simultaneously.ConclusionWith the use of interspace distraction and sacral elevation to facilitate vascular control, a total sacrectomy was performed without the need for the anterior exposure of a laparotomy.

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