Abstract

Objective To evaluate the clinical outcomes and postoperative anal function in infants with congenital high imperforate anus who underwent laparoscopically assisted anorectal pullthrough (LAARP). Methods From January 2004 to July 2007,33 consecutive patients (28 males and 5 females,age ranging from 3 to 10 months) with high imperforate anus underwent LAARP. Clinical data of the LAARP group were retrospectively compared with those treated by posterior sagittal anorectoplasty ( PSARP,n = 28) at the same time period. Anorectal function of these patients was evaluated using the Kelly's score,anorectal vector volume manometry(AWM) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the age of 3. 1 to 4. 4 years. Results The operative time in LAARP and PSARP groups was 112. 5 ± 12.4 and 120.4 ± 18.5 min (P ＞ 0. 05), respectively. The length of hospital stay in LAARP group was shorter than that of PSARP group (11. 3 ± 2. 1 vs. 14. 6 ± 2. 3 days,P＜0. 01). No significant difference was observed between LAARP and PSARP groups regarding Kelly's score (3. 52 ± 1. 42 vs. 3. 49 ± 0. 82). Although MRI revealed the lower rate of poorly aligned rectum in LAARP group than PSARP group at both I-line (3. 0% vs. 14. 3%) and M-line (3. 0% vs. 10. 7%) levels,no statistically significant difference was noted (P＞0. 05). Compared with the PSARP group, lower asymmetric index, larger vector volume, and higher anal canal pressure at rest and during voluntary squeeze were observed in LAARP group (P＜0. 05), without significant differences in the length of high-pressure zone (15. 2 ± 5. 8 vs. 15. 1 ± 6. 2 mm) and the presence of rectoanal relaxation reflex (84. 8% vs. 85.7%). Conclusions Satisfactory fecal continence can be achieved in patients with high/intermediate type imperforate anus after LAARP. LAARP has some advantages over PSARP, including shorter hospital stay and better position of rectum. However, long-term follow-up is necessary to compare the benefits of LAARP against PSARP. Key words: Laparoscopy surgical procedures; Anus,imperforate; Magnetic resonance imaging

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