Sacral osteomyelitis following restorative rectal cancer resection: a delayed presentation of dormant pelvic sepsis

Abstract

Sacral osteomyelitis is a rare but potentially fatal complication of pelvic surgery. It is often diagnosed late due to the presence of vague, non-specific symptoms and a low index of suspicion. Previous literature has been limited to a number of case series of patients who have undergone ileoanal pouch formation following proctocolectomy and patients who have undergone pelvic floor reconstruction with mesh sacral colpopexy. Here, we present a patient presenting with sacral osteomyelitis 12 years following anterior resection for colorectal malignancy. We then review the previous literature and discuss the salient management points that may assist in the diagnosis and management of this uncommon complication.