Window rectostomy: an alternative method of fecal diversion for high anorectal malformations in males without a urinary fistula

This report analyzes our initial experience with window rectostomy (WR) as a new method of fecal diversion for high anorectal malformations (ARM) in 27 males without a urinary fistula between May 1994 and May 1998; total correction was achieved in two stages. In the first stage, during the neonatal period, the dilated rectum was exteriorized as a WR through the left lower abdomen. In the second, after 3–5 months an abdominoperineal pull-through (APPT) procedure was performed in which the window rectostomy was mobilized and taken down to form a new anus. The results were compared with cases of high ARM with urinary fistula that were managed in three stages, i.e., proximal sigmoid colostomy, APPT, and colostomy closure. All 27 cases showed satisfactory results without any mortality or major pelvic infection. The main advantages of WR are that it provides more functioning bowel length after diversion and avoids a colostomy-closure operation and repeated hospitalizations, thus reducing the total cost of treatment. Accepted: 6 October 1999