The aim is to evaluate the ease of access, surgical trauma and cosmetic results of posterior sagittal approach for sacrococygeal teratomas (SCTs). From January 2002 to June 2010, we operated 19 cases of SCT exclusively through posterior sagittal approach. Patients were placed in knee chest position. An elliptical incision was made for the excision of the tumor. Care was taken to preserve all the muscles and other vital tissue in this area. Coccygectomy was performed in all patients. Closure was performed in layers. It was possible to resect all tumors from this approach and none of the patients required revision of the incision. Complete resection was possible in 17 patients while two had residual disease due to local extension. Minimal wound dehiscence was noted in four patients that healed spontaneously. It was possible to perform excision even in very large masses. Wound scar was satisfactory in most patients with preservation of gluteal folds. It is therefore concluded that posterior sagittal approach for SCT is feasible, with good access and cosmetic results.

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Objectives: Cancer being a serious chronic illness, causes profound effects on physical and mental health of the individual as well as affects their caregivers and family members' mental health. This study aims to find out the burden of emotional distress in patients of childhood cancer as well as their healthy siblings. Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Parents of the children undergoing cancer treatment or having completed treatment within past one year were asked to complete an interview proforma (Pediatric Emotional Distress Scale) about their child’s behaviour over past one month, scoring each behaviour on a scale of 1 to 5 according to the frequency of symptoms. The data was then analysed using SPSS 20. The frequency distribution, central tendencies and standard deviations were calculated accordingly. Results: Almost eighty-five% of the patients showed scores above the clinical threshold for emotional distress. Eighteen% of the healthy siblings also had scores above the clinical threshold. Patients as well as their healthy siblings showed high levels of anxiousness in their behaviours. Conclusions Childhood cancer is a cause of major emotional trauma in patients. Age-matched siblings usually cope well with the illness.