Rectal prolapse following posterior sagittal anorectoplasty for anorectal malformations

Purpose

Rectal prolapse is a known postoperative problem in children with anorectal malformations. The aims of this study were to determine the incidence of significant rectal prolapse (>5 mm), to objectively quantify its predisposing factors, and to offer recommendations as to its prevention and surgical treatment.

Methods

The authors reviewed their series of 1619 patients with anorectal malformations; 1169 underwent primary posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) at their institution between 1980 and 2002, and complete records were available for 833. The series was analyzed for incidence of prolapse, type of anorectal malformation, status of the sacrum, muscle quality, associated vertebral and spinal anomalies, and postoperative constipation. A specific technique for prolapse repair was used.

Results

Of 833 patients, 45 developed significant rectal prolapse (3.8%). The mean age at the time of PSARP was 0.73 years (range, 0.19-5 years). The average time to recognition of prolapse following PSARP was 13.1 months. Of these 45 patients, 32 required surgical repair and of those, 3 required a second surgical repair. The incidence of prolapse varied by complexity of anorectal defect: cloaca (6.2%), rectobladder neck fistula (6.8%), rectourethral fistula (5.4%), rectovestibular fistula (1.2%), rectal atresia (0%), and rectoperineal fistula (0%). There was a significantly increased incidence of prolapse in patients with a low muscle quality score and in patients with vertebral anomalies (20% vs 3.2%). The presence of a tethered cord and an abnormal sacral ratio did not correlate with an increased incidence of prolapse. Twenty-two patients developed prolapse following colostomy closure, and of these, 12 (55%) suffered from constipation.

Conclusions

The overall incidence of significant rectal prolapse following PSARP is low. Prevention of prolapse with the PSARP technique may be because of key technical steps. Patients with higher anorectal malformations, poorer muscle quality, and vertebral anomalies had a greater risk of developing postoperative rectal prolapse. The presence of tethered cord and quality of the sacrum were not predictive of postoperative prolapse. Constipation seems to be a factor in the development of prolapse.     

Continence after posterior sagittal anorectoplasty for anorectal malformations: comparison of different scores

Purpose

To evaluate bowel function in patients with anorectal malformations (ARM) comparing existing scoring systems.

Continence after posterior sagittal anorectoplasty

Posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) was introduced in 1982 by Pe?a and De Vries as a new operation for patients with a high anorectal malformation. The degree of postoperative continence is reported to be high. During the past decade, too, new insights have been gained into the embryology of anorectal malformations. Evaluation of PSARP in relation to current understanding of the development and anatomy of the anorectum and the pelvic floor has led us to conclude that optimal continence cannot be expected. Fifty patients with a high anorectal malformation underwent PSARP between June 1983 and May 1990. Postoperative follow-up consisted of anamnesis (subjective) and electrostimulation, defecography, and anorectal manometry (objective). All patients are alive, and all but one are being evaluated regularly. Subjectively, the majority of patients were more or less incontinent, with soiling of pants at least once a day. On the basis of objective criteria, virtually all patients appeared to be incontinent, and in only one patient was the mechanism of defecation almost unimpaired after PSARP. From this study, we conclude that although PSARP provides a good aesthetic result, patients will never acquire normal continence.     

Posterior sagittal anorectoplasty for reoperation in children with anorectal malformations

A prospective study was carried out in 12 consecutive patients (7 boys and 5 girls), to evaluate posterior sagittal anorectoplasty for patients incontinent of faeces after anorectal reconstruction. Examination revealed anatomical problems such as: recurrent fistula (two), massive urethral diverticulum (one), absent vagina (one), and a missed urogenital sinus (one). Preliminary electromyography showed the external sphincter to be displaced from the anus in nine patients. Posterior sagittal anorectoplasty, with correction of anatomical defects and precise reconstruction of bowel within the sphincters, was carried out after the formation of a loop colostomy. No postoperative complications were observed. Contrast studies confirmed healed suture lines before stoma closure. Follow-up, between 4 and 46 months, revealed good faecal control in only two patients, with a significant improvement in two others. The rest remained incontinent although sensation was improved. These disappointing results, at variance with other published reports, lead us to conclude that posterior sagittal anorectoplasty, when used as a secondary procedure, is good for correcting anatomical defects but not for improving faecal continence.     

Comparison of clinical outcomes and anorectal manometry in patients with congenital anorectal malformations treated with posterior sagittal anorectoplasty and laparoscopically assisted anorectal pull through

Purpose

The objective of this study is to analyze the clinical outcomes and anorectal manometry (AM) in infants with congenital high anorectal malformations treated with posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) and laparoscopically assisted anorectal pull through (LAARP).

Materials and Methods

From August 2005 to December 2008, 23 patients with congenital high anorectal malformations were randomly distributed into PSARP and LAARP groups. All of them underwent LAARP (11 cases) or PSARP (12 cases) at 2 or 3 months old. Clinical outcomes and results of anorectal manometry were compared between patients at the age of 17.4 ± 4.9 and 19.3 ± 6.2 months (P = .4270), respectively.

Results

Kelly's clinical score for patients in LAARP and PSARP groups was 3.91 ± 1.14 and 3.83 ± 1.40 (P = .8827), respectively. Anal canal resting pressure and high-pressure zone length were 29.4 ± 7.2 vs 23.4 ± 6.5 mm Hg (P = .0479) and 14.9 ± 3.0 vs 13.9 ± 3.1 mm (P = .4414), respectively. Rectal anal inhibitory reflex was observed in 81.8% (9/11) and 83.3% (10/12) patients (P = 1.0000), respectively. The mean length of stay during the second hospitalization was 10.6 ± 0.9 and 14.3 ± 1.4 days (P < .0001), respectively.

Conclusions

Although no significant difference can be noted in clinical scoring between both groups, the results of anorectal manometry indicate that LAARP can significantly improve anal canal resting pressure and reduce the length of stay.     

Complications of posterior sagittal anorectoplasty

From 1982 to 1985, 23 patients underwent posterior sagittal anorectoplasty procedures: 12 as primary treatment for congenital anorectal malformations, 9 for treatment of fecal incontinence following a prior pull-through procedure, and 2 for treatment of fecal incontinence following trauma. Six patients (26%) developed seven complications specifically related to the procedure. One patient with a cloacal anomaly had partial dehiscence of the sacroperineal incision following total reconstruction. This resulted in retraction of vaginal and anal openings, which, however, have remained separate and patent. Two patients developed temporary femoral nerve palsies, unilateral in one patient lasting one week, and bilateral in one patient lasting four months. Four patients developed leaks from the suture line of the tailored ectatic rectum, which was pulled through to the perineum. In one male patient, the suture line was placed anteriorly, resulting in a rectourethral fistula, which required a repeat posterior sagittal dissection. One male, who had a redo procedure, developed a posterior diverticulum comparable to a large anal crypt. This was repaired prior to closure of the colostomy. One seven-year-old girl developed multiple rectocutaneous fistulae, which closed with conservative management in five months. One male infant developed a single supralevator rectocutaneous fistula, which closed after rediversion of feces with a colostomy and has remained so after colostomy closure. The majority of the complications encountered were probably preventable if careful attention to certain details of technique had been observed: careful padding of the groin areas when patients are prone, especially in older patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

一期后矢状入路肛门直肠成形术治疗中高位肛门直肠畸形疗效分析

目的探讨一期后矢状入路肛门直肠成形术治疗中高位肛门直肠畸形的疗效。方法回顾分析了2003年10月至2008年4月在我院采用后矢状入路肛门直肠成形术治疗中高位肛门直肠畸形12例．总结术后疗效并随访其排便功能。结果病例随访显示,12例患者的肛门具有良好收缩力,无明显肛门失禁,排便功能良好,效果满意。排便情况经临床评分结果为优良。结论经后矢状入路肛门直肠成形术治疗中高位肛门直肠畸形,可以达到充分暴露术野．缩短治疗时间的目的,效果良好。     

无肛术后肛门失禁治疗中的一些问题

近年来,对于中高位无肛的手术治疗已经相当规范化,Pena手术已为更多人所应用,但是我国地域广阔,许多基层医疗机构还沿用传统的腹会阴拖出术,甚至还有人经会阴途径治疗中高位无肛,或是学习Pena手术还没有掌握好要领以致到目前为止无肛手术后并发症发生率还较高,特别是肛门失禁。一旦失禁不仅给患儿带来痛苦,给家长带来精神上和经济上的负担,也给小儿肛肠外科带来新的挑战。     

Long-term anorectal function in imperforate anus treated by a posterior sagittal anorectoplasty: manometric investigation.

Thirty imperforate anus patients were investigated by anorectal manometry 5 to 10 years after a posterior sagittal anorectoplasty. Anal resting tone (ART) and anal squeezing pressure (ASP) were subnormal in most patients. Rectal volume (RV) and sensation to balloon distension were within the normal range. Rectoanal reflex inhibition was demonstrated in 9 of 30 patients. Soiling was more common in patients with a very low ART (less than 40 cm H2O) and a low ASP (less than 100 cm H2O). Constipation was more common in patients with a large RV (greater than 150 mL). Still, the correlation to clinical results was incomplete. As regards to the correlation to type of malformation the rectal atresia patients showed near normal results. The vestibular fistula patients were next in results showing rectoanal reflex inhibition in 5/6 patients. There was no difference in the results between bulbar and prostatic fistula patients.     

Primary anorectoplasty in females with common anorectal malformations without colostomy

Background/Purpose

The objective of this study is to assess the feasibility of primary posterior sagittal anorectoplasty in vestibular fistula without a covering colostomy.

Methods

Girls presenting from July 1997 to July 2005 with vestibular fistula were included prospectively in the study, in a nonrandomized manner, after excluding those with megarectosigmoid and pouch colon. All underwent primary posterior sagittal anorectoplasty after total gut irrigation with normal saline. They were kept nil per oral until the fifth postoperative day. No patient was started on anal dilatation. Patients were assessed for immediate and delayed complications as well as voluntary bowel movements and continence.

Results

A total of 72 patients with an age range of 1.5 months to 8 years (median, 9 months) were studied after excluding 7 with pouch colon and 3 with megarectosigmoid. Of the 72, 3 had undergone previous surgery. Follow-up ranged from 7 months to 8 years. No wound dehiscence or recurrence of fistula was noted. There were 5 mild wound infections. At 1 month postoperative, all patients had 1 to 3 stools per day with no episodes of soiling. None required anal dilatations, laxatives, or enemas.

Conclusions

Primary posterior sagittal anorectoplasty in vestibular fistula can be performed without a covering colostomy provided fecal contamination of the wound can be kept to the minimum in the first postoperative week. We achieve this by thorough total gut irrigation preoperatively and keeping the child nil per oral for the first 5 postoperative days. Continence rates are excellent and postoperative constipation is unlikely if megarectosigmoid and pouch colon are ruled out before surgery. Anal dilatation is not required after surgery.     

Long term outcomes of laparoscopic-assisted anorectoplasty: A comparison study with posterior sagittal anorectoplasty

Purpose

The aim of this study is to compare the long term outcomes between laparoscopic-assisted anorectoplasty (LAARP) and posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) for children with rectobladderneck and rectoprostatic fistula anorectal malformations (ARM).

Methods

Thirty-two ARM children with rectobladderneck and rectoprostatic fistula who underwent LAARP between October 2001 and March 2012 were reviewed. The outcomes were compared with those of 34 ARM children who underwent PSARP between August 1992 and September 2001. The sacral ratio (SR), age at operation, operative time, postoperative hospital stay and complications were evaluated. Bowel functions were assessed using the Krickenbeck classification.

Results

The mean operative time of the LAARP was significantly shorter than that of PSARP group (1.62 ± 0.40 vs 2.13 ± 0.30 h). The postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the LAARP group (5.8 ± 0.65 vs 8.4 ± 0.67 h). The wound infections (11.8% vs 0%) and recurrent fistula (11.8% vs 0%) were more common in PSARP patients. The overall morbidity rate of PSARP group was significantly higher than that of the LAARP group (35.3% vs 12.5%, p < 0.05). However, 7.5% of the LAARP patients developed rectal prolapse. Twenty-four of 32 patients were followed up for more than 3 years in LAARP group. The median follow up period was 7.5 years (range 4–11) in LAARP patients and 15.5 years (range 11–20) in PSARP patients. The rates of voluntary bowel movement, soiling (grade 1, 2 & 3) were similar in both groups. More patients from PSARP group developed grade 2 or 3 constipation (22.5% vs 0%, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Compared to PSARP, LAARP is a less invasive procedure. The long term functional outcomes after LAARP were equivalent if not better than those of PSARP.     

Results after posterior sagittal anorectoplasty: a new approach to high imperforate anus

Six patients, 3 to 12 months of age have undergone posterior sagittal anorectoplasty for high imperforate anus. A rectourethral fistula was present in all patients. The operative procedure performed was the method of de Vries and Pena, utilizing electrostimulation and identification of the external sphincter muscles. One patient required an abdominal operation as well as the perineal approach. There were no complications. Serial assessment was carried out over a period of 4 months to 2 1/2 years. Normal continence was achieved in three patients. Anorectal manometry was performed in five patients. Four of five patients had normal rectal sensation and normal mean anal canal pressures. These results suggest that this procedure is applicable to the young infant with high imperforate anus, and a satisfactory result can be anticipated.     

The posterior urethra in anorectal malformations

Anorectal malformations are commonly associated with recto-urethral fistulas. Definitive repair of these anomalies may result in injury to the bladder and urethra. Accurate preoperative assessment of the anatomy is imperative to identify the structures and avoid unnecessary injury. This brief report provides radiographic images that demonstrate these anomalies.     

10-Year outcome of children born with anorectal malformation, treated by posterior sagittal anorectoplasty, assessed according to the Krickenbeck classification

Background

Anorectal malformations (ARMs) affect 1 in 4000 to 5000 births. The Krickenbeck conference developed a classification based on anatomical and functional criteria to better compare treatment outcome.

Aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate the functional outcome in patients 10 years following standardized surgical treatment of ARM related to the Krickenbeck classification. .

Methods

Anatomical anomalies were classified as above. Children and carers were followed closely in a multidisciplinary clinic. Data were collected using a functional outcome questionnaire for a minimum of 10 years after surgical reconstruction. Outcome measurements were related to the Krickenbeck classification.

Results

There were 53 children in the study group (29 male, 24 female). Krickenbeck anatomy: perineal fistula, 36%; vestibular fistula, 26%; rectourethral fistula, 36%; rectovesical fistula, 2%.All children were treated by posterior sagittal anorectoplasty.In children with perineal fistula, continence was achieved in 90%. Grade 2 constipation was noted in 21%. One child had a Malone antegrade continence enema (MACE) procedure.In children with vestibular fistula, continence was achieved in 57%. Grade 3 constipation was noted in 28%. One child had grade 1, and one child had grade 2 soiling. Two children had a MACE procedure.In children with rectourethral fistula, continence was achieved in 58%. One child had grade 3 soiling. Grade 3 constipation was found in 42% of children and grade 2 constipation in 1 child. A MACE procedure was performed in 36%.The only child with a bladder neck fistula had a MACE procedure for intractable soiling.

Conclusions

The outcome for patients with ARM is related to the severity of the anomaly. The uniform application of the Krickenbeck classification should allow rational comparison of treatment outcome.     

Assessment of sphincter muscle function before and after posterior sagittal anorectoplasty using a magnetic spinal stimulation technique

Purpose: The authors used a magnetic spinal stimulation technique to assess both the preoperative sphincter function and the effect of operative intervention on the sphincter muscle in patients with anorectal malformations. Methods: The authors examined 5 patients with an anorectal malformation consisting of 4 high-type cases and 1 intermediate-type case, that all had undergone posterior sagittal anorectoplasty during the previous 2-year period. Control data also were obtained from 11 age-matched healthy children. A contraction of the external anal sphincter (EAS) was evoked by magnetic stimulation of the sacral roots with a figure-of-eight coil at the level of the lumber and sacral segments. EAS electromyograms then were recorded at the anal verge. Results: The preoperative motor latencies at L4 stimulation increased significantly more in the patients than in the controls (5.9 [plusmn] 0.5 msec v 4.1 [plusmn] 0.7 msec during left side recording). In the postoperative examination (1 to 5 months after operation), the mean maximum amplitude decreased slightly without any significant difference, whereas the latency was almost identical to the preoperative data. Conclusion: These results suggest that the neurologic function of EAS was congenitally disturbed, and the current operative technique had no significant effect on the sphincter function.