Pandora's box and retrorectal tumors in laparoscopy: A case report and review of the literature

•We present a case with a retrorectal tumor and discuss the approach.•The minimal invasive approach is demonstrated.•The importance of preoperative diagnostics is presented, especially if the location is found unexpectedly.

INTRODUCTIONRetrorectal tumors are uncommon and the etiology diverse. Literature to define the preoperative diagnosis and plan the intraoperative management are uncommon.PRESENTATION OF CASEWe describe a case of a 44 year old patient with a laparoscopic approach for the removal of a retrorectal tumor and emphasize on the preoperative diagnostics and the intraoperative, minimal invasive approach.DISCUSSIONEspecially because these tumors are rare and often an incidental finding in gynecologic surgery, it is important to know the various differential diagnoses and its consequences with the laparoscopic approach.CONCLUSIONWe suggest the laparoscopic approach in cases of retroperitoneal cysts of unknown origin is ideal also because anatomic structures, mostly nerves, can be easily spared.