Male cloaca malformation: rare variant of anorectal malformation

Abstract

Experience with male cloaca (MC), a single opening in perineum for passage of urine and meconeum is described. Cases of MC were ambispectively studied, prospectively from July 2007 to April 2015 and retrospectively for last three decades. Seven cases of MC were identified, between the ages of newborn-4 years (median 10 days). Two missed cases underwent a colostomy, posterior sagittal anorectoplasty, and urethroplasty. Two cases underwent perineal urethrostomy and anoplasty followed by urethroplasty. In one case, part of the rectal wall was used to form urethral tube and urethrostomy. For three recent cases, posterior sagittal anorectourethroplasty was done with mobilization of rectal pouch and common channel, separation of common wall between the urethra and rectum, urethroplasty varying from 1.5 to 3 cm, perineal body reconstruction, perineal urethrostomy and anoplasty. Follow-up of 6 patients varied from 3 months to 23 years. One case is lost to follow-up. Three patients have completed repair. Complications included a discharging sinus and a urethral fistula in one case each. One patient died while awaiting urethroplasty. Two patients are awaiting formal urethroplasty. With familiarity of varying anatomy of MC, early recognition can avoid a neonatal colostomy in selected patients.