Abstract
Fetal sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is the most common tumor in the neonatal period
and is easily detected by modern ultrasound techniques, mostly during the second-trimester
screening. It can cause significant fetal/neonatal morbidity and mortality due to
its size, vascular loading, possible rupture, and labor dystocia. Mostly cystic teratomas
have favorable prognosis, but if untreated in utero, they may rupture or cause labor
obstruction. Cesarean delivery, especially with the vertical incision, increases significantly
maternal morbidity due to the hemorrhage and the risk of the uterine rupture in the
subsequent pregnancies. The authors report in details two SCT cases with uncomplicated
vaginal delivery after peripartum ultrasound-guided drainage of the cystic teratoma.
We conclude that the percutaneous emptying of the cystic SCT is an easy, encouraging,
safe, and efficient procedure and enables normal vaginal delivery, thus avoiding labor
dystocia and possible complications of the cesarean delivery and the risk of tumor
rupture.
Keywords
Fetal sacrococcygeal teratoma - prenatal diagnosis - fetal surgery - prevention of
dystocia - ultrasound
