One stage anterior sagittal sphincter saving anorectoplasty (ASSSARP) for the repair or rectovestibular fistula: mid and long-term outcome in two tertiary centers

Abstract

PurposeThis is a retrospective study of one-stage anterior sagittal sphincter saving anorectoplasty (ASSSARP) for repairing rectovestibular fistula (RVF) including operative details and postoperative complications, functional and cosmetic outcome.Patients and methodsRecords of 41 cases of RVF, managed between April 2010 and September 2019 by one-stage ASSSARP, were reviewed. Preoperative preparation, both early and late postoperative care & complications, hospital stay, and functional & cosmetic outcomes were reported.ResultsThe mean age was 6.6 months. Vaginal tear occurred in 5/41 cases, and distal rectal tears in 4/41 cases. Thirteen patients suffered mild superficial wound inflammation; while Skin dehiscence; occurred in five patients. No colostomy or redo was needed. The mean hospital stay was 6.1 days. Mean follow-up was 43.13 months; (Range; 24–100 months). Subclinical anal stricture was detected in six patients. Constipation occurred in 14 cases. Soiling grade I occurred in five patients. Thirty-two patients reached past the age of three years; two of whom showed cough/diarrhea incontinence.ConclusionOne-stage ASSSARP is safe and gives functional and cosmetic results comparable to other techniques. It provides better access during RVF repair. The avoidance of muscle incision protects against muscle breakdown, if infection sets in, and thus against incontinence. It avoids the morbidity, cost and psychological burden of performing a three-stage repair.