Sigmoid Volvulus in the Middle East

Little is known about sigmoid volvulus in the Middle East despite textbooks referring to the region as part of the “volvulus belt.” Our objectives were to assess the prevalence, clinical presentations, radiological findings, operative treatments, and postoperative outcomes of patients managed for sigmoid volvulus in Jordan as a model for the region. The medical records of patients with large bowel obstruction who were managed at King Abdullah University Hospital and its affiliated institutes, northern Jordan, over a 6-year period between January 2001 and January 2007 were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients with a confirmed diagnosis of sigmoid volvulus. Sigmoid volvulus was responsible for 9.2% of all cases of large bowel obstruction seen during the study period. There were 32 patients with sigmoid volvulus, 24 (75%) of whom were men. The median age of the patients was 59 years (range 21–83 years). Abdominal pain and distention were the main presentations. Colonoscopic detorsion was applied in 25 patients, which was achieved in 17 (68%) of them after the first attempt. Six patients had a gangrenous sigmoid colon, four of which required resection and a Hartmann procedure. Sigmoid resection with primary anastomosis was performed in 28 patients, including 2 with a gangrenous colon. Postoperative complications were observed in five patients, including one patient with viable colon who develop an anastomotic leak. Two patients died, making the mortality rate 6%. Sigmoid volvulus is uncommon in Jordan. Resection of the sigmoid colon with primary anastomosis appears to be the preferred procedure.     

A study of large-bowel volvulus in urban Australia.

BACKGROUND: Large-bowel volvulus is a rare cause of bowel obstruction in the industrialized world. We analyzed the presentation and outcome of 49 patients at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia, who received a diagnosis of colonic volvulus from 1991 to 2001. METHODS: A retrospective chart study was carried out. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients had sigmoid volvulus (59%), 19 patients had cecal volvulus (39%) and 1 patient had a transverse colon volvulus (2%). The diagnosis of sigmoid volvulus was made accurately on plain abdominal radiography or contrast enema in 90% of cases (n = 26), compared with only 42% of cases (n = 8) of cecal volvulus. Twenty-two patients with sigmoid volvulus were treated initially with endoscopic decompression. The success rate was 64% (n = 14). There was a high early recurrence rate of sigmoid volvulus for those treated by endoscopic decompression alone (43%) during a mean period of 32 days. Of the 14 patients with cecal volvulus who were treated with right hemicolectomy, 12 had primary anastomosis and 2 had end ileostomy with mucous fistula formation. There was no anastomotic leak following right hemicolectomy with primary anastomosis, even though 6 of these patients had an ischemic cecum. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic decompression of the sigmoid volvulus was safe and effective as an initial treatment but has a high early recurrence rate. Any patient who is fit enough to undergo operation should have a definitive procedure during the same admission to avoid recurrence. Cecal volvulus is associated with a higher incidence of gangrene and is treated effectively by right hemicolectomy with or without anastomosis. The need for swift operative intervention is emphasized.     

顽固结肠慢传输性便秘16例的临床分析

目的：探讨顽固性结肠慢传输性例秘的合理治疗方法。方法：总结顽固性结肠慢传输性便秘患者经X线钡灌肠以及排粪造影检查,结合临床特征而决定手术切除冗长结肠12例,4例非手术治疗,其中冗长横结肠4例,冗长乙状结肠12例。伴直肠前凸3例,重度直肠膨出,盆底下降1例,4例患者中3例经肛修复,1例经腹修复,重建盆底。3例乙状结肠冗长扭转行急诊手术。结果：11例患者恢复良好,有1例高龄患者仅行扭转乙状结肠复位而于术后10d死亡,随访3年,1例有肠粘连症状,1例切口感染,4例非手术治疗症状未缓解。结论：顽固性结肠慢传输性便秘冗长结肠是其原因之一,需早期手术切除,伴有直肠前凸,盆底下降可一期手术修复,如待急诊肠扭转再手术,则危险较大、甚至危及生命,而非手术治疗症状不得缓解,且造成药物依赖。     

Surgical therapy of chronic constipation

Results of the surgical treatment for conservative intractable constipation in 70 adult patients are reviewed. 49 patients with severe symptoms have been treated by partial colectomy as sigmoid colectomy (n = 23) or left hemicolectomy (n = 26). 33 patients underwent colectomy with cecorectal anastomosis (n = 25) or ileorectal anastomosis (n = 8). Out of these patients with colectomy seven had undergone previous segmental colonic resection or internal sphincterotomy. Of those patients with cecorectal anastomosis who were dissatisfied, three underwent ileorectal anastomosis. Overall, a mortality rate of 3.3% and morbidity rate of 22.5 resp. 54.5% for partial and total colectomy were observed. The most frequent occurring complication after colectomy was small bowel obstruction in 30% requiring laparotomy in 40%. Of 45 patients who underwent partial colectomy, 34 (75%) had normal bowel function or were markedly improved. In 28 of 32 patients (87.5%) treated by colectomy a successful result has been achieved. The operation of sigmoid colectomy or left hemicolectomy may be recommended as a treatment for constipation only in patients with less severe symptoms or patients with recurrent sigmoid volvulus. For those patients with severe constipation, at present, colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis seems to be the surgical procedure that offers the greatest probability of improvement. However, the significant morbidity claimed the need for a careful patient selection.     

How far has the pendulum swung in the surgical management of sigmoid volvulus? Experience from the KwaZulu‐Natal Teaching Hospitals and review of the literature

Aim Sigmoid volvulus is common in sub‐Saharan Africa. The aim of the study was to document the clinicopathological patterns of sigmoid volvulus in KwaZulu‐Natal. Method Analysis was performed of prospectively collected data of patients presenting with sigmoid volvulus at the KwaZulu‐Natal Teaching Hospitals from 2000 to 2009. Data collected included demographics, clinical presentation, operative findings, management and outcome. Results There were 135 patients (122 male) of mean age 39.3 ± 17 years. Management was by emergency surgery (103), elective surgery (23), no surgery (9). The level of the twist was at the pelvic brim. Fifty‐four patients had gangrenous bowel and 81 had viable bowel. Resection was accompanied by primary anastomosis (80) and Hartmann’s procedure (46). Complication and mortality rates were 47% and 17% respectively. Mortality rates for emergency and elective surgery were 19% and 9% (P = 0.330), and those for primary anastomosis and Hartmann’s procedure were 14% and 24% respectively (P = 0.305). Mortality rates for gangrenous and viable bowel were 21% and 15% respectively (P = 0.624). Twenty‐eight (22%) patients required intensive care in the intensive care unit (ICU) with an ICU stay of 8.8 ± 8 days. Hospital stay was 10.5 ± 14.4 days. Conclusion The clinicopathological picture of sigmoid volvulus resembles that in the rest of Africa in that it affects predominantly young African males. The level of the twist is at the pelvic brim. The timing of surgery, the type of anastomosis and the viability of the bowel does not influence outcome.     

慢传输型便秘合并成人巨结肠32例临床诊治

目的总结慢传输型便秘合并成人巨结肠的诊断和治疗经验。方法回顾性分析2007年10月至2011年6月收治的32例慢传输型便秘合并成人巨结肠患者的临床资料。结果32例患者中男15例,女17例,年龄18～56岁,均符合罗马Ⅲ便秘诊断标准。结肠传输试验提示结肠传输缓慢;钡灌肠及排粪造影提示肠管狭窄段位于横结肠3例,降结肠4例．直肠20例,横结肠或降结肠与直肠同时存在狭窄段5例;肛门直肠测压显示23例直肠肛门抑制反射消失,另9例未见异常。手术治疗行巨结肠切除、结肠部分切除、结肠结肠侧侧吻合术7例;巨结肠切除、结肠次全切除、结肠直肠下端改良Duhamel吻合术16例：结肠全切除、回肠储袋J-Poueh与直肠下端改良Duhamel吻合术9例。术后无并发症发生,随访3～47个月,18例患者排粪功能优,9例良,5例～般。结论慢传输型便秘临床诊治中应警惕合并成人巨结肠：详细询问病史和对辅助检查的综合分析是减少漏诊和误诊的关键。手术切除范围应包括病变的巨结肠和有慢传输的结肠．并按巨结肠根治术方式进行吻合。     

Management of sigmoid volvulus in Polokwane-Mankweng Hospital

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome of treatment of patients with sigmoid volvulus in the Polokwane-Mankweng Hospital and to identify the best management options for these patients. METHODS: A retrospective study was undertaken of 85 patients with sigmoid volvulus treated in Polokwane-Mankweng Hospital during the period July 1997-May 2004. RESULTS: In total, 85 patients were evaluated (77 males and 8 females, male/female ratio 9:1). The age range was 7-80 years (mean 42 years). Sigmoidoscopic derotation was attempted in 17 patients, and was successful in 10 patients. Laparotomy was done in 84 patients, viz. 75 emergencies and 9 electives. During laparotomy, gangrenous sigmoid colon was found in 30 patients and viable sigmoid in 54 patients. Resection with primary anastomosis was done in 44 patients. Hartmann's procedure was performed in 33 patients. Sigmoidopexy was done in 7 patients. Total hospital mortality was 6% (5 deaths). Mortality in the 84 operated cases was 5% (4 deaths). CONCLUSIONS: There was no mortality in patients undergoing elective resection and primary anastomosis after successful preoperative deflation and in patients with viable sigmoid volvulus who underwent an emergency Hartmann's procedure. There was low mortality in those patients with resection and primary anastomosis on viable sigmoid (3%, 1:39). The highest mortality (1:5) occurred in cases of resection and primary anastomosis of gangrenous sigmoid colon.     

乙状结肠扭转43例临床分析

为探讨乙状结肠扭转的临床表现、术前诊断和治疗方法,回顾分析1991～2012年我院收治的43例乙状结肠扭转患者的病史、临床表现、影像学检查、术中所见及手术方法。结果显示,本组男：女为3．8：1;年龄46～81岁,其中60岁以上25例;32例有便秘史;顺时针与逆时针肠扭转之比为1．9：1;术前经影像学检查确诊35例,8例经剖腹探查证实为乙状结肠扭转;35例行乙状结肠复位、固定术,6例行乙状结肠切除一期吻合术,2例行乙状结肠切除加降结肠造口术;术后无吻合口漏发生,创口感染6例;随访1年,均无复发。结果表明,乙状结肠扭转多见于老年男性,多有便秘病史,术前根据影像学检查和临床表现基本可明确诊断,主要采用手术治疗,术式选择应根据患者全身情况及肠管的局部情况而定。     

Definitive treatment of extended Hirschsprung's disease or total colonic form

Background: Between December 1990 and March 1999, five laparoscopic Duhamel pull-through procedures for extended or total aganglionosis were performed in our department, one of which had a rectosigmoid form with a short bowel and a colonic resection due to a volvulus. Methods: The aim of this study was to show that even when the extended form of Hirschprung's disease or anatomic difficulties such as a short bowel and anterior colonic resection are encountered, the laparoscopic approach is possible and total colectomy is feasible. The procedure has been described previously. We used one camera port and three working ports. The sigmoid, transverse, and right colon up to the last ileal cove were mobilized laparoscopically. A standard posterior ileo-anal anastomosis was performed, and an endo-GIA stapler was used for the anterior anastomosis. Results: A total of five patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for Hirschprung's disease. There were three total colonic forms, one rectosigmoid form with a short bowel and colon resection attributed to a volvulus, and one transverse variant that required a Deloyers' maneuver for the pull-through. Three of the infants required total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for an average of 49 days (range, 28-60) from diversion until the time of the definitive procedure. Only one patient did not receive TPN. Postoperatively, there were two complications-one wound infection and one hectic fever. The clinical results were good, with no soiling or stool incontinence and no constipation. Conclusion: The laparoscopic procedure for total aganglionosis or the extended form of Hirschprung's disease is safe, feasible, and reproducible.     

Single-stage procedure in management of uncomplicated acute sigmoid volvulus without colonic lavage

Aim: The management of sigmoid volvulus remains controversial. We aimed to evaluate the postoperative outcome of patients with acute non-complicated sigmoid volvulus managed with resection and anastomosis without preoperative colonic lavage. Methods: From January 2007 to December 2009, 40 patients with uncomplicated sigmoid volvulus underwent bowel decompression, resection and anastomosis without preoperative mechanical colonic preparation. Results: A total of 40 patients underwent the procedure, one patient developed anastomotic leak. Wound infection was reported in three patients, one death was a result of respiratory failure. Conclusion: Surgical management of sigmoid volvulus in one step without preoperative colonic lavage is a safe procedure and is recommended for acute cases.     

Minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of Hirschsprung disease]

STUDY AIM: The treatment of Hirschsprung's disease was improved by the laparoscopic approach. The study aim was to report the results of a short series. PATIENTS AND METHOD: From December 1996 to January 2000, 13 children (7 boys and 6 girls) were operated for a Hirschsprung's disease with a laparoscopic approach. The mean age at the time of surgery was 6 months. A colostomy had been performed previously in 10 of them. The colostomy was closed and the colorectal anastomosis was performed with Duhamel's technique in 10 and Swenson's in 3. Location of aganglionnic bowel was rectum and sigmoid colon (n = 9) rectum (n = 2) left colon (n = 1), left colon and right transverse colon (n = 1). RESULTS: The mean duration of the procedure was 160 minutes. One conversion to laparotomy was necessary. One postoperative leak required a temporary colostomy. One intestinal occlusion due to an incarceration of an intestinal loop behind the pulled through colon, required a reoperation. The mean 26 month-follow-up was too short to draw conclusions about functional results. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic approach was an important progress in the treatment of the Hirschsprung's disease but, more recently, the transanal approach that we used in the last five patients, seems to be another more important innovation.     

Colonic volvulus. Diagnosis and results of treatment in 82 patients.

OBJECTIVE--To test the accuracy of initial diagnosis of colonic volvulus and the results of different treatment regimens. DESIGN--Retrospective population based study. SETTING--Tampere University Hospital (major referral center). SUBJECTS--All patients who presented with colonic volvulus from 1973-1990, 58 patients had sigmoid, 23 caecal and one had transverse colonic volvulus. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Findings of endoscopic or operative treatment compared with the clinical diagnosis and plain abdominal radiographs. Association between treatment and risk factors. RESULTS--Diagnosis was difficult, despite some differences in clinical presentation. Gangrenous bowel was diagnosed only at operation, although caecal volvulus with gangrenous bowel was associated with a high white cell count. In 23 patients with caecal volvulus both right hemicolectomy (n = 11) and tube caecostomy (n = 7) were successful with one death after each procedure and no recurrences. In sigmoid volvulus, resection (n = 19) and detorsion with or without sigmoidopexy (n = 21) resulted in similar numbers of complications and deaths (6 and 4, and 5 and 3, respectively), though recurrences were more common after detorsion (1 (5%) compared with 5 (24%)). Endoscopic decompression was tried in 30 and was successful in 26 cases; it was the only treatment in 17/58 patients, with two deaths (12%) and five recurrences (29%). The overall mortality was 15%, but this was associated more with neuropsychiatric diseases, old age, and residence in mental or nursing homes than with gangrene of the bowel. CONCLUSIONS--Poor diagnostic accuracy is a problem. Caecal volvulus can be safely treated by resection or tube caecostomy. Sigmoid volvulus is best treated by endoscopic detorsion followed by operation in otherwise fit patients. Mortality is associated with neuropsychiatric diseases and old age.     

Multimedia article. Laparoscopic treatment of chronic sigmoid volvulus in a young adult

INTRODUCTION: Sigmoid volvulus is responsible for 8% of all intestinal obstructions. The most frequent presentation is in the elderly, with it occurring exceptionally in young people. Surgical resection is mandatory to prevent recurrence. Laparoscopic maneuvers in the long and distended bowel are difficult, and not much experience with these procedures has been reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS, AND RESULTS: A 21-year-old man with antecedents of constipation had two episodes of rectal prolapse, and one episode of acute volvulation treated with decompressive endoscopy. A laparoscopic exploration was performed for definitive treatment. Transanal intubation with a large-bore tube permitted deflation of the bowel. A deep Douglas's pouch was observed with a mobile sigmoid loop that intussuscepted the rectum. A proctosigmoidectomy including the 5 cm of the upper rectum was performed without incident. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic management of suboclusive colonic volvulus is feasible. Intraopertive transanal intubation permits deflation the loop and facilitates manipulation.     

Proximal large bowel volvulus in children: 6 new cases and review of the literature

BackgroundProximal large bowel volvulus is considered as an extremely rare surgical emergency in children. Approximately 40 cases have been reported, and because of its rarity, the diagnosis is often missed or delayed. The purpose of this study was to review the presentation, treatment, and clinical outcome of proximal large bowel volvulus.MethodsA systematic review and analysis of the data relating to 6 patients from the author's practice and cases published in the English literature from 1965 to 2010 was performed. Detailed information regarding demographics, clinical presentation and methods of diagnosis, surgical procedure, complications, and outcome were recorded.ResultsThirty-six cases of proximal large bowel volvulus were retrieved from the English literature, and 6 cases, from the author's practice. The male-female ratio was 1:1, with a median age of 10 years. There were 29 (69%) cases with neurodevelopmental delay. Clinical presentation included 29 (69%) cases with constipation, 41 (98%) with colicky abdominal pain, 42 (100%) with abdominal distension, and 35 (83%) with vomiting. Plain radiography was specific in 64% (27/42) of cases, barium enema in 100% (15/15), and computed tomography in 100% (2/2). All patients underwent surgery, with resection and primary anastomosis in 24 (57%) cases, stoma formation in 11 (26%), and detorsion of volvulus without resection in 7 (17%) cases. Six patients (14%) died postoperatively.ConclusionA child with neurodevelopmental delay and a history of constipation presenting with an acute onset of colicky abdominal pain and progressive abdominal distension with vomiting should be suspected of having a cecal and proximal large bowel volvulus.     

Surgical treatment of the sigmoid volvulus

Sigmoid volvulus is not an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical features and surgical treatment methods in patients with sigmoid volvulus. Thirty-two patients operated on between January 1991 and October 2002 were reviewed retrospectively. The demographic data of the patients, clinical features, preoperative radiological and operative findings, type of surgical procedure performed, postoperative complications, mortality and duration of hospital stay (DHS) after surgery were reviewed. There were 21 male (66%), 11 female patients (34%) and their age ranged from 61 to 87 years with a median of 73.5 +/- 8.38 years. Most frequent clinical features were abdominal pain, distension and constipation. The correct preoperative diagnosis was made in 44% (14/32) of cases. Surgical treatment consisted of sigmoidectomy with primary anastomosis (R&A) (n = 9, 28%), sigmoidectomy with colostomy (R&C) (n = 16, 50%), and detorsion with sigmoidopexy (D&P) (n = 7, 22%). Concomittant diseases were more frequent in R&C group (n = 14, 87%) and this was statistically significant as compared to R&A (n = 4, 44%) (P = 0.03). Postoperative complication rate in R&C group was more frequent and DHS longer but the difference between treatment groups was not significant statistically. Two recurrences were observed in D&P group. Sigmoidectomy should be the basic principle in management of sigmoid volvulus and primary anastomosis can be performed safely in selected patients without increasing morbidity and DHS.     

Single stage primary anastomosis without colonic lavage for left-sided colonic obstruction due to acute sigmoid volvulus: a prospective study of one hundred and ninety-seven cases

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of single‐stage resection and anastomosis for acute left‐sided colonic obstruction due to acute sigmoid volvulus without intraoperative lavage. Mechanical bowel preparation has been shown to be unnecessary for elective colorectal surgery. Colonic decompression without intraoperative lavage may simplify operations in acute left‐sided colorectal obstruction. Methods: Emergency resection of acute sigmoid volvulus was performed. This was followed by primary anastomosis without on‐table lavage after closed bowel decompression. Results: A total of 197 patients underwent bowel decompression, resection and primary colonic anastomosis. Two patients developed anastomosis leak, requiring re‐laparotomy, Hartmann's procedure and delayed closure. Two deaths occurred postoperatively; these were unrelated to the nature of the surgery. The mean hospital stay was 9.8 days. Conclusion: Primary colonic anastomosis can be safely done for obstructed left colon due to acute sigmoid volvulus without intraoperative colonic lavage.     

Management of acute sigmoid volvulus: A Tunisian experience

Background/objectiveSigmoid volvulus is the most common type of volvulus. Its epidemiological features, as well as its management, differ between developed and developing countries. This work aims to analyze the epidemiological features thus allowing to compare them to the rest of the “volvulus belt’’ and assess the surgical management of sigmoid volvulus in Tunisia.MethodThis is a retrospective review of 64 patients with sigmoid volvulus treated in the General Surgery department of Jendouba Hospital. January 2005–December 2019.Results64 patients were treated for acute sigmoid volvulus. The sex ratio male to female ratio was 5.4/1 with male predominance. 5.4:1 (54 males to 10 females). The mean age was 62 years. The classic triad of intestinal occlusion was reported in 56 patients. The mean duration of symptoms was 4.2 days. An accurate preoperative diagnosis was made in 58 cases. Forty patients had a viable bowel obstruction, and all of them had a resection and primary anastomosis. Sixteen patients had a gangrenous bowel obstruction, of which 6 patients had resection-primary anastomosis, and 10 had Hartmann's procedure. Out of the total five deaths reported, there were only two among patients who had resection-primary anastomosis for gangrenous bowel obstruction. The most common postoperative complication was wound infections in 5 cases. The median length of hospital stay following surgery was 8 days. No recurrences of volvulus after a median follow-up of 11 months.ConclusionsAlthough Tunisia belongs to the volvulus belt, the epidemiologic features of sigmoid volvulus tend rather be similar to those of developed countries. The use of primary surgery, if no endoscopy is performed, is a good alternative. For patients who have contraindications for endoscopic treatment, surgical treatment is the only option.     

One stage procedure in the management of acute sigmoid volvulus without colonic lavage.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing acceptance of one-stage primary resection and anastomosis of left-sided colon obstruction with on-table antegrade colonic lavage to reduce the risk of post-operative infectious complications and anastomotic dehiscence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of single-stage resection and anastomosis for acute left-sided colonic obstruction due to acute sigmoid volvulus, without intraoperative colonic lavage, in a consecutive series of patients admitted to our department. METHODS: Emergency resection of acute sigmoid volvulus was performed by an experienced senior surgeon (consultant grade). This was followed by primary anastomosis without on-table colonic lavage after a manual decompression. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients underwent bowel decompression, resection and primary colorectal anastomosis. Two of the patients who had ileosigmoid knotting and gangrenous bowel had double resection with primary ileoileal and colorectal anastomosis. There were two superficial wound infections. No death or clinical anastomotic failure were recorded in this series. The mean hospital stay was 10.3 days. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that resection of acute sigmoid volvulus and primary anastomosis after decompression alone can be carried out safely in reasonably fit patients.     

Surgical Treatment of the Sigmoid Volvulus

Sigmoid volvulus is not an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical features and surgical treatment methods in patients with sigmoid volvulus. Thirty-two patients operated on between January 1991 and October 2002 were reviewed retrospectively. The demographic data of the patients, clinical features, preoperative radiological and operative findings, type of surgical procedure performed, postoperative complications, mortality and duration of hospital stay (DHS) after surgery were reviewed.

There were 21 male (66%), 11 female patients (34%) and their age ranged from 61 to 87 years with a median of 73.5 ± 8.38 years. Most frequent clinical features were abdominal pain, distension and constipation. The correct preoperative diagnosis was made in 44% (14/32) of cases. Surgical treatment consisted of sigmoidectomy with primary anastomosis (R&A) (n = 9, 28%), sigmoidectomy with colostomy (R&C) (n = 16, 50%), and detorsion with sigmoidopexy (D&P) (n = 7, 22%). Concomittant diseases were more frequent in R&C group (n = 14, 87%) and this was statistically significant as compared to R&A (n = 4, 44%) (P = 0.03). Postoperative complication rate in R&C group was more frequent and DHS longer but the difference between treatment groups was not significant statistically. Two recurrences were observed in D&P group. Sigmoidectomy should be the basic principle in management of sigmoid volvulus and primary anastomosis can be performed safely in selected patients without increasing morbidity and DHS.     

Laparoscopic-assisted transanal endorectal coloanal anastomosis for Hirschsprung's disease

BACKGROUND: There has been a recent trend in the use of laparoscopic-assisted one-stage pull-through in the management of Hirschsprung's disease (HD). We describe our initial experience using laparoscopy with a transanal coloanal anastomosis as described by Rintala and Lindhal for HD. METHODS: Six children with biopsy-confirmed HD underwent laparoscopic-assisted pull-through using Rintala's transanal endorectal coloanal anastomosis. The procedure was done through one 5-mm camera port and two 5-mm working ports. The transition zone was identified by seromuscular biopsies obtained laparoscopically. The sigmoid colon and proximal rectum were mobilized laparoscopically. A transanal endorectal mucosal dissection and a coloanal anastomosis were done, using an absorbable monofilament 5/0 polyglyconate suture. RESULTS: Six children aged 4 weeks to 36 months underwent this procedure laparoscopically. Two cases had to be converted to an open procedure as a result of dense pelvic adhesions. The entire mobilization of the bowel as well as biopsy confirmation of the transition zone was done laparoscopically in all 6 cases. The median operative time was 135 minutes (range, 120-240 minutes). All 6 children tolerated full enteral feeds after 48 hours and the median hospital stay was 7 days (range, 6-10 days). There were no early postoperative complications. Two cases developed mild enterocolitis that resolved with conservative management. The overall functional outcome was good in all cases with no soiling, stool incontinence, or constipation at a median follow-up period of 12 months (range, 4-27 months). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic-assisted pull-through, apart from being cosmetically superior, permits obtaining biopsies as well as an adequate mobilization of the bowel. The transanal endorectal coloanal anastomosis technique is simple and easy to perform, with a minimal dissection which causes less damage to the internal sphincter and pelvic nerves.