Modified Kraske Procedure for retrorectal tumors: Early postoperative outcomes and surgical site infection rates in a single-center experience

The aim of this study is to evaluate the early postoperative morbidity rates with a particular focus on surgical site infection rates, in patients undergoing resection for retrorectal tumors with the modified Kraske Procedure. This descriptive observational case series study included patients who underwent resection for retrorectal tumors performing the modified Kraske Procedure between August 2006 and August 2025. Patients with recurrent disease or a history of pelvic radiotherapy or chemotherapy were excluded. The primary outcome was early postoperative morbidity, especially in terms of surgical site infections, which was defined as complications occurring within the first 30 days after surgery. Among 35 patients operated for retrorectal tumors, 23 (65.7%) patients underwent a resection performing the modified Kraske Procedure and were included in the analysis. The majority of patients were female (82.6%), with a mean age of 40.3 ± 15.8 years. The mean tumor size was 42.5 ± 10.0 mm, and most lesions were benign (87%). Postoperative complications occurred in three (13%) patients, with surgical site infection observed in only one (4.3%) patient. The mean length of hospital stay was 3.8 ± 1.9 days. The modified Kraske Procedure was associated with a low surgical site infection rate and acceptable early postoperative morbidity in this series. This technique may represent a feasible surgical modification for selected retrorectal tumors and warrants further evaluation in comparative studies.