Coccygectomy for intractable coccygodynia

Background: Coccygectomy is an uncommon procedure that many surgeons are reluctant to perform due to its proximity to the anus and the risk of rectal perforation and infection. Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and outcome of coccygectomy. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the operative results in nine patients (seven females and two males) who underwent coccygectomy for coccygodynia in the last 5 years following failure of conservative treatment. Results: The outcome of the procedure was excellent in five patients, good in one patient and poor in two patients. Conclusions: It is mandatory to perform bone scanning in every patient with coccygodynia and before coccygectomy in order to rule out the presence of malignancy. Coccygectomy is recommended for patients with isolated coccygodynia.