Rectovestibular Fistula Research Articles

The PPP - Perineal Body Preserving PSARP (Posterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty) for Anorectal Malformation with Rectovestibular Fistula in Females-Report of Early Outcomes.

The perineal body preserving posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) (PPP) is a novel modification of the original PSARP for female patients with rectovestibular fistulas designed to eliminate the risk of perineal body dehiscence. This study aims to examine the outcomes following PPP. A retrospective, single-institution study was performed examining female patients with rectovestibular fistula who underwent PPP between January /2020 and December 2023. Exposure was done through the intended anoplasty only. Perineal body or posterior sagittal incision was not utilized. No routine postoperative dilations were performed. The postoperative outcomes, day of discharge, time to first feeding, and early stooling patterns were assessed. A total of 15 patients underwent a PPP at a median age of 6 months (range 2 days to 19 months) with median follow-up of 11 months (range 1-36). Three (20%) patients underwent repair within the first 3 months of life. Five (33%) had diverting ostomies prior to referral to our team. There was no incidence of dehiscence or rectal prolapse. Two (13%) patients developed an anal stricture which required revision. Fourteen (93%) patients resumed normal feeds on postoperative day 1. Eleven (73%) were discharged on postoperative day 1. All patients were stooling spontaneously at their most recent clinical encounter with 11 (73%) utilizing laxatives. PPP eliminates the risk of perineal body dehiscence and has a quick return to regular diet and home. There is a 13% stricture rate which could relate to a difference in the distal rectal mobilization compared with the traditional PSARP.

042. Colonic Duplication with Recto-Vestibular Fistula: A Case Report

Background: Anorectal malformations associated with colonic duplications are a rare condition. Colonic duplication may have different presentations according to its location and size, with an incidence of less than 15% of all gastrointestinal duplications. Colonic duplication is less common than ileal duplication, whether cystic or tubular. Duplications are considered congenital malformations because they are thought to arise from disturbances in embryonic development. This report aims to present and analyze the clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, and management of anorectal malformations associated with colonic duplications in an 11-month-old child at our hospital, highlighting the challenges and treatment strategies for such a rare case. Case: We present a case of an 11-month-old girl, referred from a network hospital with a post-colostomy at 4 months of age for recto-vestibular fistula with findings of colonic duplications at colostomy. Exploratory laparotomy was performed until the colonic duplications were identified and completely resected. Conclusion: Colonic duplication is a rare congenital disorder, and its association with anorectal abnormalities is even rarer. The surgical treatment includes resection of the duplicated colon. Surgical intervention is the treatment of choice.

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

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.

Quality of Life of Children After Completion of Surgical Treatment for Anorectal Malformation: A Single-centre Cross-sectional Study in South-Western Uganda

BackgroundAnorectal malformations (ARMs) range from abnormalities such as imperforate anus to complex forms such as cloaca and are often associated with other anomalies and residual functional stooling problems. The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of children after surgical treatment for ARMs at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) in South-Western Uganda. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we enrolled children who had completed surgical treatment for ARMs between 2014 and 2021 at MRRH. A 23-item PedsQL 4.0 inventory was used to evaluate health-related QoL in children using a multidimensional parent proxy reporting for children aged 3 years to 7 years and child self-reporting for children aged 8–17 years. Regression analysis was used to determine the association between sociodemographic and clinical variables and QoL. Crude and adjusted coefficients and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. The significance level was set to a p-value <0.05. ResultsA total of 88 participants (F:M ratio = 1.15:1) aged 3 years–18 years with a median age of 4.5 years (IQR 3–7) were enrolled. The median age at diagnosis of ARM and preliminary diverting colostomy was 3 days (range: 2–30 days) and 3 days (range: 2–60 days) respectively. Rectovestibular fistulas, 47 (53.4%), were the most prevalent subtype of ARMs, and 5.7% of children had associated anomalies. Over one-third of the participants (38.6%) had definitive surgery after 3 years of age, and PSARP was the most common procedure. The average PedsQL score was 94 out of a maximum score of 100. The mean physical functioning score was 96.7 in males and 98.9 in females. The overall mean emotional functioning score was 91 ± 2. The mean social functioning score was 92 ± 3.0. The mean school functioning score was 95.7 in males and 98.5 in females. Associated anomalies and reoperation significantly predicted poor QoL. ConclusionThe overall QoL of the participants was good. Increasing years after completion of surgery was significantly associated with good QoL scores in all dormains. Associated anomalies and reoperation were associated with poor QoL, while years after definitive surgery was associated with good QoL. There is a need for increased awareness and utilization of QoL assessments as an outcome measure after definitive surgery for ARM. Level of evidence4. Type of studyCross sectional clinical study.

A Comparative Study between Early and Late Correction of Cases of Anorectal Malformation, Assessed by Fecal and Urinary Functional Outcome

Abstract Background Anorectal malformation (ARM) includes a wide spectrum of anomalies of the anorectal and urogenital region. They are not rarely associated with orthopedic, spinal, and neurologic abnormalities effecting the short- and long-term outcome. anorectoplasty at an early age is important for obtaining a better life quality in ARM patients. Aim Aim of the work to study defecation and urinary functional outcome according to timing of correction of ARM. Patients and Methods This was a cross sectional study conducted at patients with anorectal malformations (perineal fistula, rectourethral fistula, rectovesical fistula, vestibular fistula, no fistula, anal stenosis), at the Ain Shams pediatric surgery department and Qena pediatric surgery unit. Results bowel function and quality of life were significantly higher in early correction group compared to late correction group(p &amp;lt; 0.001). The mean of the quality of life in the early and late correction groups was 12.83± 0.59 and 11.13± 2.73 respectively. Conclusion Early anorectoplasty and early appropriate bowel management is advisable, as that is essential for less fecal and urinary functional complications, and for proper life quality.

Incidence of associated anomalies in children with anorectal malformation: A 1-year prospective observational study in a low-income setting.

Anorectal malformations (ARMs) consist of a range of anomalies that are often associated with other anomalies The purpose of the study is to assess the incidence of associated congenital anomalies that are seen in patients with ARMs. An observational prospective study was conducted on 162 cases with ARM from February 2019 to January 2020, and data were collected on patient demographics, type of ARM, and associated anomalies using a prestructured questionnaire and analysis done using SPSS (IBM), version 23, software. Relevant statistical analysis was done, and the results are presented in tables and charts. Of 162 cases studied, 70 of them were males and 92 were females with a male-to-female ratio of 0.76:1. The majority of male patients (45%) had rectourethral fistulas, whereas 63% of the females had rectovestibular fistula. While 76 (47%) patients presented with isolated ARM, 86 (53%) had ≥1 associated congenital malformations. Forty-eight (30%) patients presented with a single associated anomaly, whereas 20 (12%) patients had≥3 associated anomalies. The commonest associated anomalies were urologic 26.5% followed by genital (22.8%), cardiac 20.4%, and musculoskeletal 16.6%, and 12.3% of them had vertebral; anorectal; cardiac; tracheoesophageal fistula; renal; limb association. More than half of the children have other associated abnormalities. We found urogenital anomalies to be the most common associated congenital defects. A lower incidence of cardiac and spinal cord anomalies was noted suggesting a need for active workup to be in line with the latest standards of care.

Primary Anterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty Shift from Staged to Single-stage Procedure for Low Anorectal Malformations in Female Children: Our Initial Experience in Single Centre.

Anorectal malformation (ARM) is a common congenital anomaly found in the paediatric age group. Previously, the repair of the vestibular fistula (VF) was performed as three-stage procedure with initial colostomy followed by a definite procedure and, lastly, colostomy closure. At present, a single-stage procedure is preferred, especially in lower anomalies owing to the convenient and time-saving approach. The clinical profile and outcome of ASARP for treatment of ARM in females (vestibular anus and perineal fistula). A retrospective analytical study was conducted at Government Medical College, Jammu. A total of 60 patients were included in the study. Most of the patients were in the age group of 1-5 years (30%), followed by 6 months-1 year age group (25%). Forty-five (75%) females had VF while 15 (25%) had perineal fistula. Intraoperative complication was vaginal tear seen in 6 (10%) patients followed by rectal tear seen in 3 (5%) patients. Early post-operative complications were seen in 9 (15%) patients. Wound infection was the most common complication seen in 5 (8.3%) patients, wound dehiscence in 3 (5%) patients and retraction of rectum in 1 (1.6%) patient. Late post-operative complications were seen in 24 (40%) patients. Perineal excoriation was the most common complication seen in 6 (10%) patients, constipation seen in 5 (8.3%) patients, anal stenosis in 4 (6.6%) patients and mucosal prolapse in 4 (6.6%) patients. The single-staged ASARP procedure resulted in satisfactory outcomes. It is an excellent procedure for females with VF and perineal fistula. Appropriate selection, preparation of patient, optimal correction with minimal sphincter damage and needful post-operative care of wound give excellent cosmetic and functional outcomes in terms of continence. It also decreases the burden on treating the surgeon, family and psychological stress on the patients and parents.

Transanal fistula repair for the treatment of rectovestibular fistula with normal anus in female children: a 5-year single-center experience.

The purpose of this study was to review a 5-year operative experience of transanal fistula repair for the treatment of rectovestibular fistula with a normal anus in female children. In this study, we conducted a retrospective review of children diagnosed with rectovestibular fistula with normal anus who underwent transanal fistula repair in the department of General Surgery, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. Clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 56 female children were included in the study. The patients' ages ranged from 1year 10months to 15years 11months, with an average age of 5years 1month. These children had a clear history of gas or loose stool leakage through the vestibular area, with or without a history of vestibular infection. All patients had a normal anus and underwent transanal fistula repair. Follow-up was conducted through telephone or outpatient visits for a duration of 10months to 5years (average follow-up duration 19months). Three patients experienced minimal secretion from the external orifice of the vestibular fistula within two weeks after the operation, but were successfully treated with sitting bath therapy without any relapse. Another three cases had a recurrence of the fistula, and two of them underwent transanal fistula repair at our center again, resulting in a successful cure after reoperation. The remaining case has not yet undergone reoperation. In the long-term follow-up, all the children had satisfactory anal appearance, with no fecal incontinence, anorectal stenosis, or fistula infection. Transanal fistula repair is a simple, safe, and effective surgical method to treat female children with rectovestibular fistula with a normal anus.

Successful surgical correction of caudal duplication syndrome in a dog.

To describe a case of caudal duplication successfully operated with long-term follow-up. A 12-week-old female Chihuahua mix. The dog of this report presented for evaluation of duplicate external organs, including 2 anuses, 2 vulvas, and 2 tails. The dog was clinically normal except for signs of cystitis. Contrast CT identified complete urogenital and anorectal duplication, characterized by duplication of the cecum, descending colon/rectum, urinary bladder, urethra, uterus, and ovaries, with left-sided rectovestibular fistula. Exploratory laparotomy was performed to remove the left cecum and colon, the left ureter was transected and implanted into the right urinary bladder, the left bladder and urethra were removed, and bilateral ovariohysterectomy removed 4 ovaries and 2 uteruses. Following abdominal closure, the left anus and vulva with remaining portions of distal rectum and urethra, respectively, were removed en bloc with both tails. Long-term follow-up at 5 years showed the dog to be clinically normal. Caudal duplication is extremely rare in veterinary medicine, and this report details successful surgical correction with good long-term follow-up.

Functional and Health-Related Quality of Life Outcomes into Adulthood for Females Surgically Treated for Anorectal Malformation

BackgroundControlled outcomes into adulthood for females with anorectal malformation (ARM) are still scantily studied. The primary aim was to investigate bowel function, bladder function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in females operated for ARM. MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire-based observational study was performed including females treated for ARM at our institution between 1994 and 2017. The bowel function was assessed with bowel function score (BFS) and urinary tract function with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) questionnaires. HRQoL was investigated with validated age-dependent questionnaires. Patient characteristics were retrospectively retrieved from the medical records and descriptive statistics were used for analysis. HRQoL outcomes were compared with normative data whilst bowel and bladder function outcomes were compared to age-matched female controls. ResultsForty-four (41.5 %) of 106 females responded to the questionnaires. Ten of 29 patients (34.5 %) aged 4–17 years and 4 of 14 patients (28.6%) aged ≥18 years, reported a well-preserved bowel function (BFS≥17). Constipation issues decreased with age. BFS was similar in patients with perineal and vestibular fistulas. Thirty-six (83.7%) of the patients had at least one LUTS. No adult patients had issues with involuntary urinary leakage. Adults scored significantly (p = 0.004) lower than normative data regarding HRQoL, while children and adolescents scored comparably to norm data. ConclusionsOnly 28.6 % of the adult patients reported a well-preserved bowel function, similar to the proportion reported by children 4–17 years of age. Adult patients appear to have a diminished HRQoL, however the correlation with BFS was weak. Level of EvidenceIII.

Clinical characteristics of congenital heart defects in mild congenital anorectal malformation: single-centre experience

ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical characteristics and types of congenital heart defect (CHD) in mild congenital anorectal malformation (CARM), namely the rectoperineal and rectovestibular fistulas.MethodsThe retrospective study of 183 patients with mild CARM was conducted with assessments of demographic information, color Doppler echocardiography results, and follow-up data. We performed an analysis of the clinical characteristics of CHD, grouping them based on sex and type of mild CARM.ResultsOf the 183 patients, rectoperineal fistula occurred in 133 patients (72.7%), while the frequency of CHD was 79.8% (146/183). Ventricular septal defects (VSDs) occur more frequently in patients with rectoperineal fistula compared to those with rectovestibular fistula (1.5% vs. 10%), while the opposite trend was observed for patent ductus arteriosus (PDAs) (39.8% vs. 22.0%). Additionally, males presented higher frequency of PDA (42.7% vs. 26.4%) and self-healing (6 months: 87.2% vs. 42.6%; 12 months: 91.0% vs. 63.2%) than females. However, males had a lower rate of undergoing cardiac surgery (6.4% vs. 17.6%) and a younger median diagnosis age (1 day vs. 9 days).ConclusionOur study indicates that there is a necessity for meticulous cardiac assessment and follow-up in neonates diagnosed with mild CARM.

Results of transanal irrigation in intestinal dysfunction associated with anorectal malformations.

There are multiple tools available to optimize defecation in patients with anorectal malformation (ARM), such as habits, laxatives, and retrograde or anterograde irrigations, which are usually adapted in a progressive and combined fashion. The objective of this study was to assess the incorporation of transanal irrigation (TAI) to constipation and fecal incontinence treatment in patients with ARM. A retrospective study of ARM patients with indication of TAI according to the colorectal pathology unit's intestinal management protocol from 2015 to 2022 was carried out. Following use for over 3 months, patients or their guardians completed a phone survey of our own approved by the ethics committee. 39 ARM patients participated in the study. Pathologies included 11 rectourethral fistulas, 6 rectovesical fistulas, 16 cloacae, 2 rectovaginal fistulas, 2 perineal fistulas, and 2 vestibular fistulas. 44% of them had a sacral index <0.4. 62% had constipation, and 38% had incontinence. Thanks to TAI, confidence and safety improved in a very high and a high degree in 89% of the patients, whereas time devoted to intestinal management decreased a lot in 68% of them. 79% reported a 9- and 10-point quality-of-life improvement. 92% rated overall satisfaction with TAI with a score of 8, 9, and 10 - 10 meaning "completely satisfied." 100% recommend TAI. TAI is a good alternative for the intestinal management of fecal incontinence and constipation.

Редкий вариант аноректальной мальформации: Н-фистула при нормально сформированном анусе

H-type rectovestibular fistula with a normal anus refers to rare types of anorectal malformation in both girls and boys. The clinical picture of the girls is characterized by leakage gas and stool through the vagina. The first clinical manifestations occur mainly in infancy. Objective. To describe the clinical observation of an H-type rectovestibular fistuls with a normal anus in a girl with the successful surgery of transanal excision of the fistula. At the age 45 days, the baby's mother noticed the leakage stool through the vagina. When examining the perineum under anesthesia, the child revealed an H-type rectovestibular fistula with a normal anus. Surgery was performed – transanal excision of the fistula with mobilization of the anterior wall of the rectum and closure of the defect. She was discharged from the hospital on the 10th day after the operation. At the control examination after 6 months, the stool is regular, there are no pathological secretions from the vagina, the cosmetic result is good. Conclusion. The advantage of transanal excision of an H-type rectovestibular fistula with the closure of the defect by the rectal wall is the absence of a perineal incision and the need for preventive colostomy, which allows you to maintain a normal appearance as much as possible and achieve a good cosmetic result. Key words: rare anorectal malformation, H-type rectovestibular fistula, transanal approach

Anorectal developmental anomalies

Anorectal malformations include a wide range of conditions that can affect both sexes and involve the distal anus and rectum, as well as the urinary and genital tracts. An imperforate anus is a common birth defect that results from defects or delays in the development of the hindgut. The diagnosis of nonperforation of the anus is usually made shortly after birth through a routine medical examination. Patients have the best chance for a good functional outcome if the disease is diagnosed early and effective anatomic repair is started immediately. Most malformations in girls can only be correctly diagnosed on physical examination. An anus visible in the perineum with a normal vagina and urethra suggests a perineal fistula. A rectovestibular fistula occurs when the opening is in the posterior vestibule and beyond the hymen. If only one opening is visible between the labia, it is very likely a cloaca. Rectovaginal fistulae may initially appear as a non-perforating anus without a fistula (a normal-looking vagina and urethra, but no visible anus). Close examination usually reveals the presence of an opening in the back wall of the vagina or inside the hymenal ring. Radiological evaluation of a newborn with non-perforated anus should include abdominal ultrasound, using it to detect urological abnormalities. Sepsis, aspiration, abdominal distention, colonic perforation, respiratory distress, electrolyte imbalance are complications that can result from delayed diagnostic and therapeutic treatment of anorectal malforations. Accurate preoperative identification of an internal fistula between the distal part of the genitourinary tract is very important for optimal surgical treatment and prevention of possible damage to the genitourinary tract. Staged surgery, the most common approach for treating anorectal malformations, consists of three operations: a colostomy at birth, a definitive operation at 2–3 months of age, and closure of the colostomy at approximately 6 months of age.

Treatment of adult congenital anal atresia with rectovestibular fistula: A rare case report

Treatment of adult congenital anal atresia with rectovestibular fistula: A rare case report

Treatment of pediatric H-type rectovestibular fistula with tension-free repair of rectal seromuscular layer

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the outcomes of a 7-year experience with tension-free repair of the rectal seromuscular layer for H-type rectovestibular fistula in female children with a normal anus. MethodsBetween May 2016 and January 2023, 86 patients with H-type rectovestibular fistula underwent a standardized surgical procedure conducted by the same surgical team. The procedure involved: (1) Identifying and locating the vestibular orifice. (2) Dissecting the fistula. (3) Dissecting the anterior rectal wall. (4) Repairing the fistula. (5) Closing the internal opening of the fistula. During the dissection of the rectovaginal septum, care was taken to avoid any harm to the posterior wall of the vagina while exposing the anterior rectal wall by 10–25 mm. ResultsFollow-up, conducted via telephone or outpatient visits, ranged from 3 months to 6 years and 11 months (median, 3.5 years). In 82 cases (95.35% of 86), primary healing was achieved, resulting in satisfactory perineal appearance, smooth stool passage, and regular defecation. In 4 cases (4.65% of 86), fistula recurrence occurred within 5 to 10 days post-surgery. One case healed within 3 weeks with 3% boric acid sitz baths. The other 2 cases underwent debridement 7 days after the initial operation, leading to successful recovery. The final case experienced a recurrence 1 year after surgery following resection and repair of the perineal fistula, and no further surgical intervention was pursued. ConclusionTension-free repair of the rectal seromuscular layer represents a straightforward, safe, and effective surgical approach for managing H-type rectovestibular fistula with a normal anus in female children.

Erudition from primary posterior sagittal anorectoplasty for anorectal malformations over two decades.

Perioperative and early post-operative outcomes of Primary Posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (P-PSARP) were evaluated. Retrospective analysis of cases who underwent P-PSARP from 2004 to 2019 was done. Perioperative care, management, complications, voluntary bowel movement, soiling and constipation, graded by Krickenbeck criteria were studied. One hundred fifty six patients (134 girls) underwent P-PSARP at median age of 5months (3months to 14years) in girls and 5(1-10) days in 21 boys. One male cloaca was operated at 5months age. Of 20 boys, 5, 8, 4, 3 had rectobulbar urethral fistula, rectoprostatic urethral fistula, bladder neck fistula and male cloaca. Girls had vestibular fistula, rectovaginal fistula, vulval anus, anterior ectopic anus, pouch perineal fistulae and posterior anus with H type fistula in 114, 7, 6, 5, 1 and 1. Complications included wound infection, excoriation, oedema, mucosal prolapse, anal stricture, anal retraction and mortality in 6, 4, 5, 4, 4, 1 and 1, respectively. 35/155(12 neonates) required postoperative dilatations for 5(1-12) months. At follow-up, 96/114(84.2%) had voluntary bowel movements. 46/155 (29.7%) and 9/155 had constipation and soiling. 32:14:0 had grade 1:2:3 constipation, treated with diet (grade 1) and laxatives (grade 2) respectively. 4:3:2 had grade 1:2:3 soiling for initial 3months, treated with bowel management programme. P-PSARP is feasible, subject to proper case selection and good perioperative care, once learning curve is achieved.

Tubular colonic duplication: a case report and brief review of the literature

BackgroundThe occurrence of complete tubular colonic duplication is exceedingly rare. In most cases, resection of the duplicated colon may not be possible because of common blood supply with a single mesentery shared between the duplication and associated original bowel (Karkera et al., Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr 18:197-201, 2015).Case presentationIn this paper, we present a case of a 9-month-old girl who was noticed to pass stools through her vagina since birth despite normal anus in place, in association with constipation and pain on defecation. On local examination, a vestibular fistula was found. Further management including fistulogram, barium enema, and laparoscopy were performed. She was found to have tubular T-shaped colonic duplication with separate lumens from the mid-transverse colon downwards. Due to a shared fused wall, a decision was made to create a side-to-side (window) anastomosis at descending colon level using GIA staplers and end-to-side anastomosis at a sigmoid level between duplicated and normal colons with (mucosectomy) of duplicated colon down to the perineum.ConclusionsTubular colonic duplication should be kept in mind in patients presenting with vestibular fistula and fecal soiling in the presence of a normal anus. Minimal-invasive procedures are a safe and good alternative.

The treatment of congenital recto-vestibular fistula and recto-perineal fistula and effect of the megarectum on defecation.

This study aims to discuss the treatment of congenital recto-vestibular fistula and recto-perineal fistula, and the effect of the megarectum on defecation. Congenital recto-vestibular fistula or recto-perineal fistula is the most common type of anorectal malformation, and surgical methods include posterior sagittal anorectoplasty, anterior sagittal anorectoplasty, and mid-sagittal anorectoplasty, which can be performed at stage one or stage two after the ostomy. In the later stages of a recto-vestibular fistula, constipation is a common complication. Rectal dilatation is frequently associated with constipation, and the effect of rectal dilatation on defecation should be discussed for patients with congenital recto-vestibular or recto-perineal fistula who had rectal dilatation prior to surgery. Rectal dilatation may be one of the causes of constipation for congenital recto-vestibular fistula and recto-perineal fistula. The patients in this study were 67 children with congenital recto-vestibular fistula or recto-perineal fistula treated in our hospital from March 2013 to February 2017. All patients underwent an MRI of the spine and a barium enema. Six patients with myelodysplasia and sacral agenesis were excluded from this study. There were 18 patients with rectal dilatation (ages: 4-month-old to 1 year old, male: 3, female: 15). Seven of them had anterior sagittal anorectoplasty (group A), and 11 had anorectoplasty with dilated rectum resection (group B). Forty-three patients (ages: 3- to 10 months old, male: 6; female: 37) without a dilated rectum underwent anterior sagittal anorectoplasty (group C). All patients were followed up for 1 year to 5 years. Among the 50 patients who had undergone an anoplasty, 5 out of 7 patients with rectal dilatation developed post-operative constipation, and 3 of them had normal defecation after the second resection of the dilated rectum. Only two out of 43 patients without rectal dilatation developed post-operative constipation. One out of 11 patients with rectal dilatation who underwent anoplasty and resection of the dilated rectum developed post-operative constipation. Patients with congenital recto-vestibular fistula or recto-perineal fistula complicated by rectal dilatation are more susceptible to post-operative constipation. Resection of the dilated rectum at the same time can reduce the incidence rate of constipation. A barium enema should be performed pre-operatively for patients with congenital recto-vestibular fistula or recto-perineal fistula. If the dilated rectum is found, it can be resected at the same time.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Post-operative Strictures in Anorectal Malformations

Objective: Rectal strictures are a serious complication following operation for anorectal malformations (ARM). The purpose of this study was to determine the factors affecting rectal strictures following surgical treatments for ARM. Materials and Methods: Retrospective chart reviews of 204 patients with ARM who underwent surgical treatment at Siriraj Hospital between January 2003 and December 2019 were carried out. Results: Overall, the prevalence of post-operative rectal stricture was 19.6% (40/204). The higher types of ARM had higher rectal stricture rates. In low type ARM, the stricture rate following surgery for perineal fistula, vestibular fistula was 4.1% and 14.7%, respectively. Recto-bulbar urethral fistula and recto-prostatic urethral fistula had stricture rates of 19.2% and 26.7%, respectively, but in higher types, the stricture rates were above 70%. Complications such as wound infection, dehiscence, retraction, colonic necrosis and recurrent fistula all affected the post-operative stricture rate (p = 0.029, p = 0.01, p = 0.01, p = 0.042 and p = 0.002, respectively). The operation for low type ARM using local tissue flap, such as YV and cutback anoplasty, had low complications. More complicated operations were performed for higher type ARM. The higher the complication rate, the higher the post-operative rectal stricture. Routine rectal dilatation by parents seemed to prevent rectal strictures (p = 0.056). The surgical treatments for rectal strictures composed of 57.5% anoplasty, 17.5% PSARP, 15% abdo-assisted pull-through and 10% abdo-assisted PSARP. Conclusion: Post-operative rectal stricture occurred because of complications following complicated operations for high type ARM. A meticulous operative technique is crucial.