Long-Term Outcomes of Different Surgical Techniques for Sacral Tarlov Cysts: A Prospective Cohort Study

NCT ID: NCT06756984

Last Updated: 2025-05-13

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Total Enrollment: 150 participants
• Study Classification: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-05-13
• Study Completion Date: 2026-12-31

Brief Summary

Brief Summary

The goal of this observational study is to evaluate the long-term outcomes of different surgical techniques for sacral Tarlov cysts in adult patients aged 18-75 years diagnosed with symptomatic sacral Tarlov cysts. The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Does one surgical technique result in better pain relief (measured by VAS score) and functional recovery (measured by JOA score) compared to others?
• How do different surgical techniques impact the long-term recurrence rate and complication rate?

Researchers will compare three surgical techniques:

1. Partial cyst wall resection with nerve root sleeve plasty.

2. Partial cyst wall resection with nerve root sleeve reinforcement and reconstruction.

3. Autologous fat/muscle with fibrin glue microscopic cyst filling.

Participants will:

• Undergo one of the three surgical procedures based on clinical indications.
• Complete preoperative and postoperative assessments, including pain and functional scoring, as well as MRI evaluations at baseline and during follow-up.
• Participate in a follow-up program for up to 2 years to monitor outcomes and recurrence.

Conditions

Sacral Tarlov Cysts; Symptomatic Sacral Cysts; Chronic Pain Related to Sacral Cysts; Neurological Dysfunction Associated With Tarlov Cysts

Study Design

• Observational Model Type: COHORT
• Study Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE

Study Groups

Partial Cyst Wall Resection with Nerve Root Sleeve Plasty

Participants in this group will undergo partial resection of the cyst wall combined with nerve root sleeve plasty. This technique involves reducing the cyst size and reconstructing the nerve root sleeve to restore nerve function and reduce symptoms.

Partial Cyst Wall Resection with Nerve Root Sleeve Plasty

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

Surgical technique involving partial removal of the cyst wall to decompress the nerve root, followed by plasty of the nerve root sleeve to restore nerve function and prevent recurrence.

Partial Cyst Wall Resection with Nerve Root Sleeve Reinforcement and Reconstruction

Participants in this group will undergo partial resection of the cyst wall along with reinforcement and reconstruction of the nerve root sleeve. This method provides additional structural stability to the nerve root and aims to reduce the risk of recurrence and improve postoperative outcomes.

Partial Cyst Wall Resection with Nerve Root Sleeve Reinforcement and Reconstruction:

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

Advanced surgical technique combining partial cyst wall removal with additional reinforcement and reconstruction of the nerve root sleeve to provide enhanced support and reduce the risk of cyst recurrence.

Autologous Fat/Muscle with Fibrin Glue Microscopic Cyst Filling

Participants in this group will receive autologous fat or muscle tissue filling of the cyst cavity combined with fibrin glue sealing under microscopic guidance. This technique aims to obliterate the cyst cavity, prevent cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and enhance symptom relief and recovery.

Autologous Fat/Muscle with Fibrin Glue Microscopic Cyst Filling

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

Minimally invasive surgical technique where autologous fat or muscle tissue is used to fill the cyst cavity, and fibrin glue is applied to seal the defect, aiming to obliterate the cyst and prevent cerebrospinal fluid leakage.

Interventions

Partial Cyst Wall Resection with Nerve Root Sleeve Plasty

Surgical technique involving partial removal of the cyst wall to decompress the nerve root, followed by plasty of the nerve root sleeve to restore nerve function and prevent recurrence.

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

Partial Cyst Wall Resection with Nerve Root Sleeve Reinforcement and Reconstruction:

Advanced surgical technique combining partial cyst wall removal with additional reinforcement and reconstruction of the nerve root sleeve to provide enhanced support and reduce the risk of cyst recurrence.

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

Autologous Fat/Muscle with Fibrin Glue Microscopic Cyst Filling

Minimally invasive surgical technique where autologous fat or muscle tissue is used to fill the cyst cavity, and fibrin glue is applied to seal the defect, aiming to obliterate the cyst and prevent cerebrospinal fluid leakage.

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

1. Age 18-75 years.

2. Diagnosed with symptomatic sacral Tarlov cysts confirmed by MRI.

3. Presence of at least one of the following symptoms:

• Persistent sacral or lower back pain (VAS score ≥ 4).
• Neurological deficits such as lower extremity numbness or weakness.
• Bowel, bladder, or sexual dysfunction attributable to the cyst.

4. Eligible for surgical intervention based on clinical evaluation.

5. Willing and able to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria

1. History of prior sacral Tarlov cyst surgery.

2. Concurrent spinal conditions requiring separate surgical intervention.

3. Active infection or systemic inflammatory disease.

4. Severe comorbidities that increase surgical risk (e.g., advanced cardiac or pulmonary disease).

5. Pregnancy or lactation.

6. Inability to comply with follow-up requirements.

7. Known allergy or contraindication to surgical materials (e.g., fibrin glue).

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 75 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Beijing Jishuitan Hospital

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Liu longqi

MSc, Neurosurgeon, Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Central Contacts

Longqi Liu

Role: CONTACT

15810072061@163.com

010-15810072061

Other Identifiers

STC_2025

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id