Laparoscopically Assisted Anorectal Pull-through Research Articles

Indocyanine green fluorescence imaging localization: A helpful addition to laparoscopic dissection and division of rectourethral fistulae

BackgroundRectourethral fistulae (RUF) are the most prevalent type of anorectal malformations in boys, with various surgical treatment methods investigated in recent years. Currently, research is focused on preventing urethral damage or urethral diverticulum formation caused by imprecise dissection during the laparoscopically assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP) technique. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging to improve the localization and separation of the RUF during laparoscopic surgery. MethodsICG was intrarectally injected through a pre-inserted gastric tube at the distal enterostomy port to locate the fistula. This retrospective analysis included children with RUF who were treated surgically with ICG fluorescence imaging localization-assisted LAARP between January and June 2022. We investigated the patient demographics, perioperative conditions, and subsequent follow-up results. ResultsFour patients underwent ICG-assisted LAARP. Their median age was 80 days (range, 63–120) and the median duration of each procedure was 145 min (range, 120–165). Postoperatively, the duration of catheter retention and hospital stay was eight days. The children's prognosis was based on the follow-up outcomes of gastrointestinal, urinary tract function, and imaging examination. None of the included patients was diagnosed with urinary diverticulum, urinary tract injury, anal stricture, or rectal prolapse. ConclusionsInjection of ICG at the end of the rectum during LAARP surgery is a feasible adjunct for locating the RUF, providing a greater degree of accuracy for laparoscopic separation and resection of fistulae, thereby decreasing the risk of urological complications.

Laparoscopic-assisted anorectal pull-through vs. posterior sagittal anorectoplasty for treating high anorectal malformations: a single-center experience

Background/purposeSurgical management of high-type anorectal malformations (ARM) has evolved over the years with the widespread of the laparoscopic approach over the last two decades. This study aims to compare the outcome of patients with high anorectal malformation (ARM) managed with laparoscopic-assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP) vs. the open posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) at a single Institution.MethodsA retrospective chart review of pediatric patients, who were managed for high-type ARM at our institution, was performed for the period 2000–2015. Nine were excluded because of a lack of important data. Demographic data, surgical approach, associated anomalies, and complications were collected. Functional outcome was measured using the modified clinical scoring for the defecation function of the Japanese study group of anorectal anomalies. Comparison between groups was done using the T test for continuous variables and the Fisher-exact test for proportions. P < 0.05 is considered statistically significant.ResultsThere were 82 patients with high type imperforate anus (59 males and 23 females) 73% had laparoscopy vs. 27% open. Type of fistulae were rectourethral (36), rectovesical (12), no fistula (19), and (15) cloaca anomalies. Patients underwent surgery at a mean age 8.4 (laparoscopy) vs. 10.1 (open) months (P value = 0.14). There was no difference between the two groups regarding weight at the surgery or associated anomalies, except for VACTRAL and genitourinary malformations which were more among the laparoscopic group (8 vs. 1).There was no statistical significance for all elements of defecation function score: sensation, constipation, and soiling (P values 0.17, 0.6, 0.07, respectively). There was no difference between the two groups regarding rectal prolapse (P = 0.06), whereas rectal stenosis is more in PSARP compared to LAARP (P = 0.03). The hospital stay was significantly shorter in LAARP 7.1 vs. 9.4 (P = 0.006).ConclusionsThe defecation function and complication rate for both laparoscopic and open groups were almost similar. This may justify the preference of the laparoscopic approach over the open one, given its minimally invasive nature.

Robot-assisted anorectal pull-through for anorectal malformations with rectourethral and rectovesical fistula: feasibility and short-term outcome.

Multiple structures in the anorectal area are closely related to defecation, voiding and sexual function. Although laparoscopic-assisted anorectal pull-through is widely accepted as a minimally invasive surgical technique, controversy still exists for ARMs with rectourethral fistulas. Intraoperative injuries more or less involve the perirectal sphincters and neurovascular tissue. Seventeen selected infants with ARMs underwent robot-assisted anorectal pull-through (RAARP) between October 2016 and January 2018. The application of nerve- and sphincter-sparing technique in RAARP was detailed. The feasibility and early outcomes were evaluated. All procedures were completed without conversion. The robotic system facilitated clear dissections between different anatomical layers. Under direct vision, the fistula was easier to repair, and the rectal pouch was precisely placed in the center of the striated muscle complex. During the follow-up of 11.6months, 13 patients resumed normal defecation. The other four children experienced mild constipation or fecal incontinence. Their continence and defecation functions showed favorable evolution. RAARP is a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of ARMs, which provides an advantage in further minimizing the injury to perirectal nerves and sphincters.

Vesicoureteral reflux increases the risk of urinary tract infection prior to corrective surgery in newborn males with anorectal malformation.

The ideal colostomy type indicated for patients with anorectal malformation (ARM) is disputed. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical factors associated with urinary tract infection (UTI) prior to corrective surgery in male ARM without perineal fistula having undergone diverting enterostomy. A retrospective review of patients diagnosed with ARM and surgically managed at our center from January 2011 to December 2019 was performed. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between clinical factors and UTI. Eighty boys with ARM without perineal fistula underwent diverting enterostomy and subsequent corrective surgery via laparoscopic-assisted anorectal pull-through. A sigmoid loop colostomy was most often performed (70 patients, 87.5%). Twenty-nine patients (36.3%) were diagnosed with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), including 14 (48.3%) with febrile UTIs. Six patients had other concomitant genitourinary anomalies excluding VUR. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed the presence of VUR as the only independent factor associated with the occurrence of febrile UTI (OR 17.3, 95% CI 3.51-85.26, p < 0.001). The development of UTI in newborn males with ARM is associated with the presence of VUR, regardless of stoma type. Voiding cystourethrography should be considered in patients with ARM for early diagnosis of VUR and subsequent antibiotic prophylaxis.

Minimal dissection of posterior wall of rectum reduces rectal prolapse in laparoscopic assisted anorectal pull-through

PurposeTo determine if minimal dissection of the posterior wall of rectum can reduce rectal prolapse after laparoscopic assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP) in male anorectal malformation (ARM) with rectourethral fistula. MethodsEighty-six male patients with ARM who underwent LAARP in our center between 2007 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 45 cases of prostatic urethral fistula, 24 bulbar urethral fistulas, and 15 bladder neck fistulas. Two patients had no fistula. To prevent rectal prolapses, we markedly shortened the length of posterior rectal dissection from mid-2016. Dissection of posterior wall of rectum was performed minimally around the level of the fistula and the dissected portion of the posterior rectum was significantly shorter than the previous cases. For comparative analysis, patients were divided into two groups (before and after application of minimal dissection of posterior wall of rectum): Group A, from 2007 to mid-2016 and Group B, from mid-2016 to 2018. ResultsThere were 60 patients in Group A and 26 patients in Group B. Demographic characteristics were not significantly different between the two groups. The median follow-up duration was 52.4 months for Group A and 26.9 months for Group B. Group B had lower incidence of rectal prolapse (11.5%) than Group A (68.3%) (p < 0.001). Upon our subgroup analysis based on types of fistula, patients with recto-prostatic urethral fistula and recto-bulbar urethral fistula showed significant reduction in the incidence of rectal prolapse (both p < 0.001). However, patients with recto-bladder neck fistula showed no statistical significance (p = 0.264). ConclusionMinimal dissection of the posterior wall of rectum can reduce rectal prolapse in LAARP. Level of evidenceIII. Retrospective Comparative Treatment Study

Quality of life and defecative function 10years or longer after posterior sagittal anorectoplasty and laparoscopic-assisted anorectal pull-through for anorectal malformation.

In our center, patients with anorectal malformation, including males with recto-vesical (RV)/recto-bladder neck (RBN)/recto-prostatic urethral (RU) fistulas, and females with recto-vaginal (RV) fistulas have been treated by posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) before 2000, and by laparoscopic-assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP) thereafter. We would like to compare the quality of life (QOL) and long-term defecative function between these two groups of patients 10years after reconstructive surgery. Patients who underwent LAARP between 2001 and 2005 were compared with historical controls treated with PSARP between 1996 and 2000. Degrees of continence were graded by the Krickenbeck classification and Kelly's score. QOL was assessed by Hirschsprung's disease/Anorectal Malformation Quality of Life (HAQL) questionnaire. Results were compared using Chi-square test and t test. There were 14 LAARP and 7 PSARP patients. All attained voluntary bowel movements. Moderate to severe soiling (Krickenbeck Grade 2 and 3) was found in 3/14 LAARP (21.4%) and 1/7 PSARP (14.3%) patients, p = 1.00. Constipation requiring use of laxatives was present in 3/14 LAARP (28.6%) and 1/7 PSARP (14.3%) patients, p = 0.62. Mean Kelly's scores were 3.79 ± 0.98 (LAARP) and 4.71 ± 1.25 (PSARP), p = 0.12. No patient required Malone antegrade continence enema (MACE). The QOL scores based on the HAQL questionnaire were comparable between the two groups in all areas except social functioning, in which the LAARP patients attained a significantly lower mean score (26.4 vs 71.7, p = 0.0001). The 10-year outcome between LAARP and PSARP patients in terms of QOL and defecative function is comparable. Impairment in social functioning in these patients is reflected by the self-reported lower level of functioning.

The usefulness of “Finger-assist” during the laparoscopically assisted anorectal pull through

Abstract Laparoscopically assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP) is one of the surgical procedures for anorectal malformations (ARM) with rectourethral fistula. However, it is sometimes difficult to obtain favorable laparoscopic view and adequate dissection of fistula. To obtain the tactile sensation of surgeons, ‘Finger-assisted’ laparoscopic surgery has been introduced for small numbers of pediatric patients. We developed the ‘Finger-assisted’ technique during LAARP. From 2012 to 2016, three patients with rectoprostatic fistula underwent Finger-assisted LAARP. There was no open conversion or complication. Furthermore, post-operative barium enema revealed the adequate resection of fistula and favorable anterior angulation of the rectum. Finger-assisted LAARP is feasible surgical option for ARM with rectourethral fistula.

Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation after anorectal pull-through surgery for anorectal malformations: a comprehensive review.

Anorectal malformations (ARM) include congenital anomalies of the distal anus and rectum with or without anomalies of the urogenital tract. Posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) and minimally invasive laparoscopically assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP) procedure are now mainly used to surgically treat ARMs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice for interval follow-up assessment of structural and functional outcome after these surgeries to assess future bowel continence.Well-developed pelvic musculature has been found to be a reflector of better anal continence after ARM surgery. Thus, MRI plays an important role in evaluating the external sphincter complex, puborectalis, and levator ani muscles. Other parameters that need to be noted include the position of the neoanus, rectal diameter, anorectal angle, presence or absence of megarectum, and other ancillary anomalies in the spine.Thus, MRI due to superior soft-tissue resolution is the modality of choice and indispensable for post-operative pelvic evaluation in children.

Is measuring the residual rectourethral fistula during laparoscopically assisted anorectal pull-through for male high/intermediate type imperforate anus beneficial? Mid-term follow-up

Background/purposeWe evaluated routine intraoperative residual rectourethral fistula measurement (IRRFM) in 20 consecutive male imperforate anus with recto-bulbar (RB; n=12) or recto-prostatic (RP; n=8) fistula during laparoscopically assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP) for preventing incomplete fistula excision (IFE) on mid-term follow-up. MethodsTwenty consecutive LAARP performed at a mean age of 10months (range: 3–30) followed-up for a mean of 4.8years (range: 1.5–9) were reviewed. IRRFM involves using a calibrated catheter and a cystoscope to measure the distance between where dissection was ceased at the rectal end and the urethral orifice (Figure). Dissection and IRRFM were repeated until the fistula was <5mm, then tied, and divided. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and pelvic ultrasonography were used to exclude IFE and cyst formation. ResultsResidual fistula was 4–18mm on initial IRRFM. Unless measured, dissection cannot proceed to <5mm safely with poentical for urethral injury or IFE. With experience, initial IRRFM were shorter, especially in RP (Table 1). Before the IRRFM era, our incidence of cysts was 2/11 (18%), but here we found no evidence of cyst formation on MRI, no dysuria, and no urinary tract infections. ConclusionsMid-term review demonstrates that IFE can be prevented successfully by IRRFM during LAARP. Level of evidenceCase Series with no Comparison Group, Level IV.

Laparoscopic-assisted Anorectoplasty: A Single-center Experience.

Aim:To assess the modifications in the technique of laparoscopic-assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP) practiced at our institute and to analyze the postoperative outcome and associated complications.Materials and Methods:A retrospective study was done to analyze the results for LAARP procedure done for high anorectal malformations (ARMs) from January 2001 to May 2016. A total of 68 patients had undergone LAARP, with 62 male and 6 female children. Staged procedure was done in 55 patients and one child with rectovestibular fistula of 5 months of age had a single-stage procedure. Technical modifications such as traction over the fistula which helps in identification and dissection of the puborectalis muscle, dividing the fistula without ligation, railroading with Hegar's dilators over the suction cannula which creates adequate pull-through channel, have helped save time and make the procedure simpler. The patients were followed up with clinical evaluation and continence scoring.Results:All the patients withstood surgery well. One patient with rectovesical fistula required conversion to gain adequate length of the distal rectum, for whom the colostomy was closed and relocated at splenic flexure level. The complications were mucosal prolapse (8 cases), anal stenosis (5), adhesive obstruction (2), distal rectal necrosis (3), and urethral diverticulum (2). The progress has been satisfactory and weight gain is adequate. 71.15% patients had good continence on follow-up.Conclusion:LAARP procedure is safe for high ARMs with good continence and correctable side effects. It has completely replaced posterior sagittal anorectoplasty procedure for high anomalies in our practice.

Institutional experience with laparoscopic-assisted anorectal pull-through in a series of 17 cases: A retrospective analysis.

Aims:To retrospectively analyse the results of laparoscopically-assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP) for high anorectal malformation (ARM) in male children in our institution.Materials and Methods:We analysed the hospital records of patients who had undergone LAARP from October 2010 to December 2015 in terms of age, operative time, length of hospital stay and post-operative complications.Results:Of 17 cases, 13 (76%) were in 6–12 months age group, whereas rest of them were in 12–18 months age group. The recto-prostatic urethral fistula was encountered in 82% (n = 14) of patients and rectovesical type in two cases (12%). The mean operative time was 132 min with mean length of hospital stay being 4 days. Rectal mucosal prolapse was the most common complication noted.Conclusions:LAARP is a feasible approach to male children with high ARMs with less post-operative morbidity.

Application of anchoring stitch prevents rectal prolapse in laparoscopic assisted anorectal pullthrough

BackgroundRectal prolapse has been reported after laparoscopic assisted anorectal pullthrough in children with anorectal malformation. We report our clinical outcome and study the application of an anchoring stitch to tack the rectum to the presacral fascia and the occurrence of rectal prolapse. Material and methodsA retrospective review of all children who had undergone laparoscopic assisted anorectal pullthrough for anorectal malformation from 2000 to 2015 was performed. Patients were divided into two groups (group I: with anchoring stitch, group II: without anchoring stitch). Outcome measures including rectal prolapse, soiling, voluntary bowel control, and constipation, and Kelly Score were analyzed. ResultsThere were thirty-four patients (group I, n=20; group II, n=14) undergoing laparoscopic assisted anorectal pullthrough during the study period. The median follow up duration for group I and group II was 60months and 168months, respectively. All patients had stoma performed prior to the operation. Both groups consisted of patients with high type (30% vs 57%, p=0.12) and intermediate type (70% vs 43%, p=0.12) anorectal malformation. Seven (35%) patients in group I and 3 (21%) in group II had concomitant vertebral and spinal cord pathologies (p=0.408). The mean operative time was significantly shorter in group I (193±63min vs 242±49min, p=0.048). Rectal prolapse occurred less in group I, 4 (20%) vs 9 (64%) patients in group II and was statistically significant (p=0.008). Median time to development of rectal prolapse was 7months in group I and 5months in group II (p=0.767). Mucosectomy was performed in 15% of group I and 36% of group II (p=0.171). Soiling occurred less in group I (55% vs 79%, p=0.167). Voluntary bowel control (85% vs 93%, p=0.499) and constipation (55% vs 64%, p=0.601) were comparable in both groups. 75% in group I and 71% in group II achieved a Kelly score of 5 or above (p=0.823). ConclusionsOur study showed application of anchoring stitch reduces rectal prolapse and soiling in laparoscopic assisted anorectal pullthrough.Treatment Study–Level III.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Anorectal Pull-Through for High Imperforate Anus: 14 Years Experience in a Single Center.

To report our 14 years experience with the laparoscopic-assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP) for the treatment of male neonates with high imperforate anus. We reviewed all medical charts of patients who underwent LAARP from January 2001 to January 2015 collecting information regarding demographic data, associated anomalies, type of fistula, pelvic floor muscles tropism, surgery (operative time, conversion to open technique, and complications), and follow-up. Follow-up data were obtained through the use of validated questionnaires that aim to assess the intestinal function in terms of constipation and continence. At the Department of Pediatric Surgery of the University of Bologna, 13 male patients were operated in the study period (our protocol consisted of colostomy at birth followed by delayed LAARP). Mean age at operation was 4.75 months (range 1-14). There was one conversion to open technique due to a strong tension from the colostomy (this patient was excluded). Functional results were acceptable at a minimum 2-year-long follow-up. LAARP is a good choice for the correction of the high imperforate anus. Short-term outcomes are similar to those after posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP). Long-term outcomes should be better assessed.

Laparoscopic versus open repair of recto-bladderneck and recto-prostatic anorectal malformations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The laparoscopically-assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP) for recto-bladderneck and recto-prostatic anorectal malformations (RB/RP-ARMs) is believed to improve patient outcomes. We performed a systematic review of the effect of LAARP on postoperative mucosal prolapse and defecation dysfunction. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and grey literature was performed (2000-2014). Full-text screening, data abstraction and quality appraisal were conducted in duplicate. Included studies reported a primary diagnosis of RB/RP-ARM and compared LAARP versus open repair (OPEN). From 3681 retrieved articles, 7 studies enrolling 187 patients were analyzed. One was a randomized control trial, 6 were retrospective observational studies, and all were single-centre. The majority were of poor-moderate quality (MINORS scores: mean 16.42 (SD 2.225) out of 24). Mucosal prolapse was not significantly different after LAARP versus OPEN (p = 0.18). Defecation outcomes were inconsistently reported but were no different between LAARP and OPEN for either children >3 years old (p = 0.84), or all ages combined (p = 0.11). We found no significant difference in rates of mucosal prolapse or defecation scores for LAARP compared to OPEN for children with RB/RP-ARMs. However, studies are small and of poor-moderate quality and results are heterogeneous. Comprehensive, standardized, reliable reporting is necessary to guide practice and inform postoperative guidelines. 1c.

Laparoscopy-assisted surgery for male imperforate anus with rectourethral fistula

Laparoscopically assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP), first described by Georgeson, is now considered to be the radical surgical treatment of choice for rectourethral fistula (RUF) in boys with high/intermediate-type imperforate anus. Accurate positioning of the pull-through canal, with pelvic floor muscles surrounding it symmetrically, is well recognized as the most important prognostic factor irrespective of the procedure performed. Surgical intervention should be LAARP with intraoperative measurement of the RUF, with follow-up focused on bowel habit. Complications such as diverticulum formation, have been reported with increasing frequency after LAARP and are most likely related to incomplete excision of the RUF, especially in bulbar cases. Thus, complete excision, while technically challenging, is crucial. Based on the results of a multicenter study comparing LAARP with other surgery, the most reliable investigation for detecting the presence of a diverticulum is MRI. At Juntendo University Hospital in Tokyo, Japan, blunt dissection with mosquito forceps to identify the potential pull-through canal, measuring the length of the RUF directly, and closer placement of trocars (in bulbar fistula cases) are homegrown refinements that we feel improve outcome and we present a review of our approach to the surgical management of ARM.

Anorectal Anomalies in Adults-Laparoscopic Management and Review of Literature

Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are one of the most common congenital anomalies dealt by surgeons. The reported incidence of ARMs range between 1:3,300 and 1:5,000 live births. These defects are invariably detected and treated in infancy or early childhood. There is a group of patients among these who have fistulous external opening from the rectum. These may not present in child hood and may continue to live with fecal incontinence till adult hood. One of such anomalies is rectovaginal fistulas which comprises of only 4% of all anomalies. Delayed management in such cases increases surgical and functional complications. Traditionally high and intermediate anorectal anomalies are treated by posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP). This involves cutting of sphincter muscles in the midline and then placement of rectum in the sphincter complex. The continence results of this operation are less than ideal. Laparoscopically assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP) has potential advantage of precise placement of the rectum inside the sphincter complex without dividing and weakening the muscles, diminished soft tissue scarring around the rectum leading to improved rectal compliance. Three adult female patients with ARMs were managed through LAARP procedure. It involves dissection around rectum, identification and ligation of fistula tract, creation of neoanus and pull through of rectum into neoanus. Results-Continence was good in all our patients which they regained after 3 to 4days of surgery. On follow up which ranged from 6months to 2years all were passing well formed stools 1-2 times a day and have symmetric anal contraction with strong squeeze on digital rectal examination. Conclusion-LAARP offers an excellent option to the patients of ARM over conventional posterior sagittal anorectal approach because if its theoretical advantages of early recovery and better continence. Long term followup is needed to substantiate these results.

High rectal tone and rectal mucosal prolapse after Laparoscopically-Assisted Anorectal Pull-through

High rectal tone and rectal mucosal prolapse after Laparoscopically-Assisted Anorectal Pull-through

Laparoscopically assisted anorectal pull-through for high imperforate anus in infants: intermediate results

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and postoperative anal function in infants with congenital high imperforate anus treated with laparoscopically assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP). Methods From January 2004 to July 2007, 33 patients (28 boys and 5 girls, 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) during the same time period. Anorectal function of these patients was evaluated using the following 3 methods: the Kelly score, anorectal vector volume manometry, and magnetic resonance imaging between the ages of 3.1 and 4.4 years. Results The mean operative time in LAARP and PSARP groups was 112.5 ± 12.4 and 120.4 ± 18.5 minutes ( P > .05), respectively. The mean length of hospital stay in the LAARP group was shorter than that of PSARP group (11.3 ± 2.1 vs 14.6 ± 2.3 days, P < .01). No significant difference was observed between LAARP and PSARP groups regarding the Kelly score (3.52 ± 1.42 vs 3.49 ± 0.82). Although magnetic resonance imaging revealed lower malposition rates of rectum in the LAARP group than those of the PSARP group at both I-line (3.0% vs 14.3%) and M-line (3.0% vs 10.7%) levels, this was not statistically different ( P > .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 < .05). However, there were no 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-type imperforate anus after LAARP. Laparoscopically assisted anorectal pull-through has 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.

Laparoscopic surgical technique to facilitate management of high anorectal malformations – report of seven cases

Anorectal malformations (ARMs) occur in approximately 1 per 5000 live births. The most commonly used procedure for repair of high ARMs is posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP). This operation is performed entirely through a perineal approach. The first report of laparoscopically assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP) for repair of ARMs was presented by Georgeson in 2000. The aim is presenting early experience with laparoscopically assisted anorectal pull-through technique in boys with high anorectal malformations. In the last 5 years 7 boys (9 months to 2 years old) with high ARMs were operated on using the LAARP technique. Laparoscopically the rectal pouch was exposed down to the urethral fistula, which was clipped and divided. Externally, the centre of the muscle complex was identified using an electrical stimulator. In the first 4 patients after a midline incision of 2 cm at the planned anoplasty site, a tunnel to the pelvis was created bluntly and dilated with Hegar probes under laparoscopic control. In the last 3 boys a minimal PSARP was done creating a channel into the pelvis. The separated rectum was pulled down and sutured to the perineum. Laparoscopic mobilization of the rectal pouch and fistula division was possible in all cases. There were no intraoperative complications except one ureteral injury. Patients were discharged home on post-operative day 5 to 7. The early results prove that LAARP, an alternative option to PSARP for treatment of imperforate anus, offers many advantages, including excellent visualization of the pelvic anatomical structures, accurate placement of the bowel into the muscle complex and a minimally invasive abdominal and perineal incision. It allows for shorter hospital stay and faster recovery. However, to compare the functional results against the standard procedure (PSARP), longer follow-up of all patients is necessary.

Laparoscopic-assisted anorectal pull-through for anorectal malformations: a systematic review and the need for standardization of outcome reporting

Introduction Laparoscopic-assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP) is becoming an increasingly common procedure to correct high and intermediate anorectal malformations (ARMs). The aim of this review was to evaluate worldwide experiences with LAARP with regard to indications, outcomes, and quality of reporting. Method A systematic review was conducted. The search was limited to studies reported in English and performed in humans. In addition to Medline and PubMed, a manual search of the Journal of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery International, Surgical Endoscopy, and the Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques published between June 2000 and April 2008 was conducted. Results Seventeen studies were included in the final analysis. Of the included studies, none were randomized, 2 were prospective in nature, and 4 compared outcomes of posterior sagittal anorectoplasty and LAARP. The studies included 124 patients (96 males, 28 females) with 80% reported as having high/intermediate malformations. All studies reported short-term outcomes. Reported outcomes included continence, rectal prolapse, the position of the rectum (7 studies using Kelly score), manometry (1 study), contrast enema (1 study), postanal endosonography (3 studies), and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (3 studies). Outcomes varied widely between reports precluding a meta-analysis. Conclusion The number of studies dealing with LAARP is low. There is a need for both a standardization and improvement in the quality of reporting in LAARP research. This will ultimately allow for evidence-based surgical decision making.