Transanal Endorectal Pull-through Procedure Research Articles

An easy-to-source, inexpensive, self-retaining anorectal retractor

Objective: The aim of this study was to build a self-retaining anorectal retractor using easy-to-source components, to use in regular clinical practice. This retractor is used primarily in transanal endorectal pull-through. Materials and methods: The components used to build this retractor were as follows: a set of elastic rubber straps, a set of stainless steel fish hooks, and a frame made of acrylic (plexiglass). Every fish hook was fixed to one end of each rubber strap and used to anchor the anal mucosa. The other end of each rubber strap was stretched over the acrylic frame to achieve the desired degree of retraction. Results: The retractor is effective, providing adequate exposure of the surgical field throughout the pull-through procedure. It is light, yet robust, and reusable. Conclusion: This self-retaining anorectal retractor proved to be a simple-to-build, inexpensive, and effective surgical tool in transanal endorectal pull-through procedure. Keywords: endorectal, hirschsprung, hook, pull through, retractor

Transanal Endorectal Pull-Through Procedure for patients with Hirschsprung`s Disease: A prospective study

Back ground: Hirschsprung`s disease is a common problem among pediatric population, many procedures had been implemented in the treatment with different results. In the last decades one stage transanal endorectal pullthrough (TEPT) had come into the stage as a minimal invasive choice for such condition with good results.Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of TEPT procedure among pediatrics in a tertiary pediatric surgery center in Iraq.Patients and Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 11 patients with Hirschsprung’s disease, attending Central Teaching Hospital of Pediatrics for the period from March 2007 till August 2014. Their ages were ranging from 1 month - 12 years. All cases had diverting colostomy and leveling biopsy. The aganglionic segment was confined to the rectum and rectosigmoid junction. TEPT was done to all cases with closure of colostomy 6-8 weeks after pullthrough. The patients were followed up for a period of 6 months-4 years.Results: The study was conducted on 11 patients with a mean age of (33.7 ± 43.4 months); the male to female ratio was 9:2. Regarding the level of aganglionosis, it was confined to the rectum in 4 cases, while it reached the rectosigmoid junction in 7 cases. The mean operating time was (115.4 ± 23.5 minutes), and the mean volume of blood loss was (37.3 ± 17.6 ml). The average length of resected aganglionic segment was (13.9 cm). There is no conversion to laparotomy in any case. Complications developed in two cases one with perianal excoriation and the other develop postoperative enterocolitis.Conclusion: Transanal Endorectal Pull-Through operation for Hirschsprung’s disease is feasible and safe, and it can be performed successfully in all ages of children with good results avoiding transabdominal exploration.

سحب القولون عن طريق فتحة المخرج لمرضى شلل القولون الولادي دراسة مستقبلية

سحب القولون عن طريق فتحة المخرج لمرضى شلل القولون الولادي دراسة مستقبلية

Effect of endorectal pullthrough on external anal sphincter integrity (in cases of Hirchsprung’s disease) using EMG

ObjectiveThe transanal mucosectomy of the aganglionic segment is a critical step in the transanal endorectal pullthrough procedure for the treatment of Hirchsprung’s disease. It exerts considerable traction on the anorectal tissue during dissection. Anal sphincter electromyography (EMG) is an indisp

Transanal Endorectal Pullthrough for Hirschsprung’s Disease Without Frozen-Section Biopsy Facility

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate results of treatment of patients with Hirschsprung’s disease (HPD) by transanal endorectal pull-through (TEPT) in a setting where frozen-section biopsy facility was not available.Methods: From November 2001 to September 2007, fortytwo patients with HPD had undergone TEPT in Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) and at various clinics in Rajshahi. The age of the patients ranged from 7 days to 12 years. In all cases, the extent of aganglionosis was limited to recto-sigmoid region and was assessed by the three classical features of contrast enema namely spastic aganglionic zone, transition zone (TZ) and proximal dilated zone (PDZ). During operative pull-through, transition zone (TZ) and proximal dilated zone (PDZ) were identified by naked eye and correlated with x-ray findings. Eleven patients had colostomy fashioned prior to the TEPT procedure. Followup was done for 14 to 58 months (mean 36 months).Result: Thirty-nine patients had satisfactory outcome without any complication. The mean operative time was 100 minutes. The average length of resected gut was 22 cm. Post-operative recovery was smooth and oral feeding was resumed after a mean period of 48 hours. Of the eleven children with colostomy, 6 were older than 10 years with huge megacolon, and the remaining five had their colostomy done at the referring hospital. In 4 patients out of 42, naked eye assessment of the TZ and PDZ and their correlation with the x-ray features were not possible. In such situation, a few cm more of the proximal ganglionic gut from PDZ was resected. Three children out of 42 developed complications; postoperative enterocolitis in two and intra-abdominal bleeding from sigmoid mesocolon in one. There was no incidence of cuff abscess, anastomotic leak, retained segment, encopresis or constipation.Conclusion: The minimal invasive procedure TEPT involves less time with trifle morbidity and offers rapid recovery with shorter hospital stay. The functional outcome is also excellent with small complication rate. The naked eye correlation of the morbid features of rectum and colon in HPD with classical x-ray features is reasonably consistent and TEPT can safely be performed where frozen-section facility is not available.Birdem Med J 2014; 4(2): 84-87

Ultrashort-segment Hirschsprung's disease complicated by megarectum: A case report

Ultrashort-segment Hirschsprung's disease (USHD) is a rare variant of HD that is controversial in terms of diagnostic criteria and acceptable therapy. Idiopathic megarectum, also known as an intractable idiopathic constipation, is a functional disorder, which ordinarily is not surgically treated. Reported herein is a case of USHD complicated by a megarectum. The patient was an 8-year old male who presented with long history of constipation and abdominal distension. Contrast enema revealed massive dilatation of rectum, with no discernible transition zone. Absence of ganglion cells in a full-thickness rectal biopsy taken 2 cm proximal to the dentate line confirmed a diagnosis of USHD. The entire length of dilated bowel (delineated on preoperative contrast enema) was resected, using a Soave type transanal approach, with pull-through of ganglionated normal-caliber colon. In instances of USHD where megarectum prohibits use of technically less rigorous procedures (i.e., Duhamel pull-through or internal sphincter myectomy), a Soave type transanal pull-through may be a reasonable alternative. • Reported herein is a case of ultrashort-segment HD (USHD) complicated by megarectum. • Rectal full-thickness biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of USHD. • Transanal endorectal pull-through procedure was elected. • Complete resection of the megarectum, pull-through of normal caliber colon is the key.

Transanal endorectal pull-through for classic segment Hirschsprung's disease: With or without laparoscopic mobilization of the rectosigmoid?

BackgroundIt has been suggested that the outcome of transanal endorectal pull-through for classic Hirschprung's disease can be improved by laparoscopically mobilizing the colon before the pullthrough. MethodsCharts of 43 patients (2005–2009) with proven recto-sigmoid aganglionosis were retrospectively analyzed with respect to postoperative outcomes. Twenty-one had been treated with the transanal endorectal pull through (TERPT) and 22 with the laparoscopically assisted TERPT (LTERPT). ResultsGender ratio, congenital anomalies, preoperative enterostomy, and follow up did not differ between the groups. More colon was resected in the TERPT group: median 25cm vs. 15cm in the L-TERPT group (p<0.001). The TERPT-procedure took less time: median 153min. vs. L-TERPT 263min (p<0.001). Postoperatively, three patients showed colonic torsions after TERPT (p=0.07). The long-term clinical outcomes did not differ significantly between both groups. There was a significant association between length of resection and obstructive symptoms (OR=0.92, p=0.01). ConclusionPostoperative and clinical outcomes are similar using the TERPT or L-TERPT to correct classic segment Hirschsprung's disease. Prevention of colonic torsion should be the prime concern during the TERPT procedure. L-TERPT requires laparoscopic equipment and takes more operation time, whereas TERPT leaves no visible scars. The positive relation between the larger length of resection and obstructive symptoms requires additional research.

Literature Review of the Outcome after One-Stage Transanal Endorectal Pull-Through Procedure for Hirschsprung’s Disease in Children

Background: Transanal endorectal one-stage pull-through (TERPT) procedure in children with Hirschsprung’s disease (HD) is frequently used worldwide. In order to give the families realistic expectations and to plan the medical care for the years after TERPT, the long term outcome is of great importance. Aim: To collect information on the long term outcome reported after one stage TERPT procedure for HD in children 0 - 15 years. Method: A literature review on the outcome of planned TERPT from 2005 through 2012 was carried out. Information was collected on the number of daily stools a few months postoperatively, incontinence and constipation and the measures taken to deal with these. Results: The reports are few and prospective studies were missing. The results show an initial high frequency of daily stools, 12% had later abnormal stool patterns, 21% had fecal incontinence and 10% had problems with constipation. Conclusion: In order to compare the long term outcome, it would be desirable to have uniform regular reports on the daily frequency of passed stools, incontinence and constipation during the first years after TERPT. Such knowledge would be of importance for the information given to the guardians of children with HD preoperatively to TERPT and in the planning of the future care. The findings can, furthermore, provide a benchmark for the outcome from a single centre.

Literature Review of the Frequency of Reoperations after One Stage Transanal Endorectal Pull-Through Procedure for Hirschsprung’s Disease in Children

Background: Transanal endorectal one-stage pull-through (TERPT) procedure in children with Hirschsprung’s disease (HD) has gained worldwide acceptance. However surgical success is often reported separately, while the necessity for true reoperation is difficult to establish. Aim: To evaluate the incidence of reoperations following TERPT procedure. The findings will be important in counseling and planning childcare for HD patients as well as providing a benchmark for single centers clinical results. Methods: A literature review of reported TERPT operations on children with HD between 1998 through 2011 was performed. Only planned TERPT operation reports were included. Information was collected with particular emphasis on reoperations and their reasons. Results: Out of 26 published articles 23 were included, reporting on 836 children, female/male ratio: 1/3.3, undergoing the TERPT procedure as the only operative intervention with described postoperative courses. The children comprised neonates, 3 years of age (12%). The average follow up was 18.5 (6 - 38) months. The resected bowel length mean was 20.5 cm. Forty-one reoperations were reported (4.9%), including 24 laparotomies, 8 laparoscopies, 6 colostomies and ileostomies in 3 children. Only 2 re-do TERPT were reported (0.2%). Seven patients were considered TERPT failures (0.8%) with 5 requiring diverting colostomies and additional transabdominal pull-through operations. Two myectomies were performed (0.2%). One child with aganglionosis underwent a Duhamel pull through. Two (0.2%) had serious damage to the urinary tract also one child with a vas deferens lesion was reoperated. Two bowel obstructions required adhesiolysis. Eight anastomotic dehiscences (0.9%) required surgery after reparation. One prolapse of the pulled through colon was reported. Six patients (0.7%) suffered anastomotic leaks. Anastomotic strictures rate was 2.8%, all repaired with anal dilatation. Conclusion: The review supports the low incidence of reported reoperations for the TERPT procedure.

Surgical Management of Recto-Sigmoid Hirschsprung’s Disease

Introduction : Over the years, the surgical management of recto-sigmoid Hirschsprung’s disease (HD) has evolved radically and at present a single stage transanal pull-through can be done in suitable cases, which obviates the need for multiple surgeries.Aim : The aim of this paper was to evaluate the role of transanal pull-through in the management of recto-sigmoid HD in our institution.Material and Methods : A retrospective analysis (between January 2003 and December 2009) was carried out on all cases of Hirschsprung’s reporting to unity of pediatric surgery of Tunis Children’s Hospital that were managed by transanal pull-through as a definitive treatment. All selected patients including neonates had an aganglionic segment confined to the rectosigmoid area, confirmed by preoperative barium enema and postoperative histology. Twenty-six children (86%) had their operation done without construction of prior colostomy.Results : Transanal pull-through was performed in 31 children. Mean operating time was 150 minutes (range 64 to 300 minutes). No patients required laparotomy because all patients including neonates had an aganglionic segment confined to the rectosigmoid area. Blood loss ranged between 20 to 56 ml without blood replacement. Since all children were given an epidural caudal block, the requirement of analgesia in these cases was minimal. Postoperative complications included perianal excoriation in 7 out of 31 patients lasting from 3 weeks to 6 months. Complete anorectal continence was noted in 21 of 31 (67%) children in follow up of 3–5 years.Conclusions : Transanal endorectal pull-through procedure for the management of rectosigmoid HD is now a well-established and preferred approach. Parental satisfaction is immense due to the lack of scars on the abdomen. As regards the continence, a long-term follow-up is necessary to appreciate better the functional results of this surgery.

Clinical experience with a new modified transanal endorectal pull-through for Hirschsprung’s disease

Single-stage transanal endorectal pull-through (TEPT) procedure is now widely used for rectosigmoid Hirschsprung's disease (HD). However, this procedure is associated with some common complications like stricture, enterocolitis, constipation, anastomotic dehiscence and perianal excoriation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of a modified TEPT operation in the management of rectosigmoid HD. 45 patients with rectosigmoid HD admitted between August, 2004 and July, 2008 were included in this study. Pre-operative barium enema was done in all of them. Patients in whom the transition zone was well delineated were included in the study. Frozen section biopsy was done to confirm the presence of ganglion cells in the pull-through bowel. All odd number patients were included in group A, where conventional TEPT procedure was performed. All even number patients and the last five patients of the series were in group B. In this group, a modified transanal endorectal procedure was done. The initial part of submucosal dissection and mobilization of aganglionic rectum was the same as in the conventional procedure. The anorectal mucosa was anastomosed end-to-side to the seromuscular coat of the ganglionic bowel. Mobilized bowel was divided at about 2 cm distal to the anastomosis. Six hitching stitches were applied from the free edge of the bowel to the perianal skin so that the anastomosis remains outside the anal verge. The distal redundant bowel was excised on eighth post-operative day. Pre-operative bowel preparation was done in all patients in group A. The bowel preparation was not mandatory in group B patients. Post-operative results of both these groups were compared and analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Mean operative time in group A was 86 min (range 75-95 min) versus 90 min (range 70-100 min) in group B. Average length of the bowel resected was 20 cm (range 10-26 cm) in group A and 22 cm (12-40 cm) in group B. Post-operative feeding was started after 48 h in group A and after 6 h in group B. Average hospital stay was about 8 days in both the groups. Median follow-up was 36 months in group A (range 14-54 months) and 32 months (range 12-52 months) in group B. Anastomotic stricture or stenosis was noted in two patients in group A and none in group B (p < 0.01). Partial anastomotic dehiscence was noted in two patients in group A and none in group B (p < 0.01). Average bowel movement in group A was 6-8 per day at 1 month and 2-6 per day at 6 months. In group B, it was 8-10 at 1 month and 2-8 at 6 months. Cuff narrowing causing constipation was noted in two patients in group A and none in group B (p < 0.01). Enterocolitis following pull-through was noted in two patients in group A and three patients in group B. Four patients in group A and one patient in group B had post-operative constipation. All of them responded to bowel management program: only one of them (group A) required enema; soiling was noted in one patient each in both the groups. Modified TEPT procedure is associated with excellent clinical outcome with fewer complications, and permits early post-operative feeding. Operating time, hospital stay and post-operative bowel movement were comparable with the conventional technique.

Transanal Endorectal vs. Duhamel Pull-Through for Hirschsprung's Disease

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the early functional outcome for patients with rectosigmoid Hirschsprung's disease (HD) is comparable for the Duhamel pull-through procedure and the transanal endorectal pull-through (TERPT) procedure, with less discomfort for the patient postoperatively after the TERPT technique. Eleven patients operated on with the TERPT technique (T Group) were prospectively registered and compared retrospectively with 18 patients operated on with the Duhamel pull-through (D Group). Data recorded included patient demographics, operative treatment, complications, hospital stay and bowel functions. The follow-up time was limited to 24 months. The T Group started oral feeding sooner, their bowel movements started sooner and they had less need for analgesia postoperatively and a significantly shorter hospital stay. 71% of the patients in the D Group needed re-intervention compared to only 18% of the T Group. Enterocolitis was seen in two patients in both groups. At the last clinical control ten patients had constipation (59%) and three had soiling (18%) in the D Group. Three patients in the T Group had constipation (27%) and one had soiling (9%). Our results support the use of the TERPT method rather than the Duhamel pull-through for rectosigmoid HD.

Transanal endorectal pull-through in children with Hirschsprung's disease—technical refinements and comparison of results with the Duhamel procedure

Purpose Transanal endorectal pull-through (TEPT) has drastically changed the treatment of Hirschsprung's disease (HD). A short follow-up of children submitted to TEPT reveals results that are similar to the classic transabdominal pull-through procedures. However, few reports compare the late results of TEPT with transabdominal pull-through procedures with respect to complication rates and the fecal continence. The aims of the present work are to describe some technical refinements that we introduced in the procedure and to compare the short and long-term outcome of TEPT with the outcomes of a group of patients with HD who previously underwent the Duhamel procedure. Methods Thirty-five patients who underwent TEPT were prospectively studied and compared to a group of 29 patients who were treated with colostomy followed by a classical Duhamel pull-through. The main modifications introduced in the TEPT group were no preoperative colon preparation, operation conducted under general anesthesia in addition to regional sacral anesthesia, use of only one purse-string suture in the rectal mucosa before transanal submucosal dissection, and no use of retractors and electrocautery during the submucosal dissection. Results The most frequent early complications of TEPT group were perineal dermatitis (22.8%) and anastomotic strictures (8.6%). The comparison with patients who underwent Duhamel procedure revealed no difference in the incidence of preoperative enterocolitis, the patients of the TEPT group were younger at the time of diagnosis and of surgery, they had shorter operating times, and they began oral feeding more quickly after the operation. The incidence of wound infection was lower in the TEPT group. Moreover, the TEPT and Duhamel groups showed no difference in the incidences of mortality, postoperative partial continence, and total incontinence. Although the incidences of complete continence and postoperative enterocolitis were not different, a tendency to the increased incidence in the TEPT group was observed. Conclusions This study further supports the technical advantages, the simplicity, and the decreased incidence of complications of a primary TEPT procedure when compared to a classical form of pull-through. Some technical refinements are described, and no preoperative colon preparation was necessary for the patients studied here. The results show that the long-term outcomes of the modified TEPT procedure are generally better than those obtained with classical approaches.

Outcomes of Hirschsprung's disease associated with Mowat-Wilson syndrome

Purpose Mowat-Wilson syndrome (MWS) is a developmental disorder presenting with mental retardation, delayed motor development, and a wide spectrum of clinical features. Hirschsprung's disease (HD) is associated in almost 50% of cases. This report aims to analyze the course of HD and to evaluate the clinical outcomes of these patients. Patients and methods Between 1997 and 2007, 110 patients presenting with HD were diagnosed and managed in our institution. Five of them presented the association of HD and MWS. Their records were reviewed retrospectively. Results All of the 5 patients have a genetic disorder specific of MWS (nonsense mutation or deletion on SIP1 gene, locus 2q22). Two patients underwent transanal endorectal pull-through procedure for classic rectosigmoid HD. Three patients were operated on for total colonic aganglionosis using Duhamel procedure. The median follow-up was 4 (range, 0.3-7) years. Only one patient is doing well (rectosigmoid HD). Two patients have a stoma diversion for severe motility disorders. Of the 3 total colonic aganglionosis, one still has repeated episodes of obstruction requiring total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The 2 others still have repeated episodes of enterocolitis. All patients required a prolonged TPN (32.5 months in average). Conclusion Hirschsprung's disease associated with MWS is a severe condition. Even in case of short segment HD, patients can present motility disorder requiring a prolonged TPN. Physician and surgeon should be aware about the evolution of this rare condition.

Studies of RET gene expression and acetylcholinesterase activity in a series of sporadic Hirschsprung’s disease

The purpose is to present the studies of RET gene expression and acetylcholinesterase activity in 23 patients operated for Hirschsprung's disease (HD). The patients underwent either transanal endorectal pull-through or Duhamell's procedure. Full-thickness intestinal samples from the three different segments (ganglionic, intermediate and aganglionic) were collected. Each tissue sample was divided in two portions, one for AChE histochemical staining and the other for examination of RET mRNA expression level. All patients had an uneventful postoperative recovery. In all patients, the AChE stainings demonstrated the absence of activity in the ganglionic area, the marked increase of positive fibers in the aganglionic area, and little increase of positive fibers in the intermediate area. In the ganglionic and intermediate areas, all patients (100%) showed significant RET gene expression. In the aganglionic area, 18 patients (78.3%) did not present gene expression and the other five patients (21.7%) presented gene expression that was similar to the ganglionic and intermediate areas. The results reinforce the conclusion that the method of AChE staining is effective for the diagnosis of intestinal aganglionosis and confirm the knowledge that genes beyond RET may be implicated in the genesis of sporadic cases of HD.

Is high amplitude propagated contraction present after transanal endorectal pull-through for Hirschsprung’s disease?

The transanal endorectal pull-through (TAEPT) procedure is now widely performed for Hirschsprung's disease (HD), however, the colorectal function after TAEPT has not yet been adequately assessed. We evaluated the postoperative clinical outcome and colorectal function based on lower colonic manometry after TAEPT. Twenty-one cases of HD underwent TAEPT from 1998 to 2005. We examined the clinical outcome based on the requirement of enemas/suppositories, the number of defecations per day, the severity of perianal erosion, and the incidence of enterocolitis requiring hospital stay. Using a three-channel Dentsleeve catheter and UPS-2020 measuring device, we performed postoperative colonic manometry at three locations: (1) the anal canal, (2) 5 cm proximal to the anal canal, and (3) 10 cm proximal to the anal canal, during defecation, and then we measured the appearance of high-amplitude contraction (HAC) (duration >/=10 s, amplitude >/=100 cmH(2)O). Four of 21 cases were treated with enemas/suppositories no longer than 1 year. The number of defecations decreased gradually from 4 to 5 per day in the early postoperative period, reaching 2 to 3 per day about 1 year postoperatively. Perianal erosion was noted in 3 of 21 cases but it disappeared within three postoperative years. Two cases had enterocolitis. Lower colon manometry was performed in eight cases. Manometry during defecation was successfully monitored in six cases. HAC occurred in five of six cases (83.3%). The clinical outcomes after TAEPT were satisfactory in almost all cases. These good outcomes were possibly due to the occurrence of HAC during defecation, though HAC did not fill the definition of high amplitude propagated contractions (HAPCs). The occurrence of HAC after TAEPT might be caused by keeping any damage to the mesenteric ascending cholinergic nerve to a minimum during surgery. Further long-term observations are still required to make an adequate assessment of such cases.

Duhamel operation vs neonatal transanal endorectal pull-through procedure for Hirschsprung disease: which are the changes for pathologists?

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate whether performing definitive surgery for Hirschsprung disease (HD) in neonatal period with a transanal endorectal pull-through (TEPT) procedure had modified our diagnostic relevance, particularly during intraoperative frozen sections (IOFS), compared to classic Duhamel (DH) surgery performed in older children. Methods We collected pathologic data for 47 children who underwent surgery for neonatal nontotal HD over a 5-year period. Results Twenty-nine patients underwent TEPT and 18 the DH operation. Mean age at operation was 19 days for TEPT and 4 months for DH operation. The mean number of IOFS was 2.6 for TEPT and 2.4 for DH operation. Gross examination could be fully completed in all TEPT cases, but was incomplete in 5 DH cases. The average total lengths of bowel, and aganglionic, transitional, and ganglionic segments were 12.3, 7.3, 3, and 2 cm for TEPT, and 17.6, 9.3, 3.5, and 4.8 cm for DH operation, respectively. Discordance between IOFS and paraffin-section analysis occurred in 5 cases (3 TEPT and 2 DH operation). Conclusion When TEPT was used, the gross examination and sampling was more accurate, leading to a clearer pathology report. The TEPT procedure facilitates the work of the pathologist without modifying the results of IOFS, if some precautions are taken.

Transanal Coloanal Anastomosis for Hirschsprung's Disease: Comparison between Endorectal and Perirectal Pull-Through Procedures

The aim of this study was to compare the results of 2 procedures of transanal pull-through for the management of rectosigmoid Hirschsprung's disease. Twenty-one consecutive children with rectal or rectosigmoid Hirschsprung's disease were operated on between November 1999 and April 2003, in two pediatric surgical departments (Dijon and Strasbourg). Twelve children underwent a transanal perirectal pull-through procedure (TPR) and 9 had a transanal endorectal (Soave) pull-through procedure (TER). The collected data in each group included demographic data, length of aganglionosis, age and weight at operation, operating time, duration of hospital stay, incidence of postoperative complications (sepsis, enterocolitis, stricture) and quality of fecal continence on long-term follow-up. No significant differences were observed between the TPR and TER groups with respect to mean age at presentation, length of aganglionosis (rectosigmoid in 10/12 and 8/9 patients respectively), age at operation, with seventeen children operated on before one year of age (mean 3.8 and 3.3 months, respectively) and duration of hospital stay (5.2 vs. 5.3 days), frequency of bowel movements at 3 months postoperatively (1 - 3 per day). Mild differences were observed between TPR and TER groups for gender (ratio M : F 5 : 1 vs. 2 : 1), gestational age at term (39 vs. 37.5 weeks), birth weight (3240 g vs. 2520 g) and operating time (116 min vs. 138 min). No iatrogenic injury of the surrounding pelvic structures occurred during surgery and no blood transfusion was required in either of the groups. A retrorectal pelvic abscess was found in one child of the TPR group. It resolved after an enterostomy had been performed with parenteral antibiotics. Anal dilatation for postoperative anorectal stricture was required in 3 and 2 patients, respectively, for the TPR and TER groups. A mild postoperative enterocolitis developed in one case in the TER group. The average follow-up period was 35.3 months, but ten children still wear diapers, making a functional evaluation difficult. Constipation was noted in 4 and 3 patients, respectively, for the TPR and TER groups. No permanent soiling has been noted at long-term follow-up. As an objective assessment of fecal continence could not yet be done for this short series, further follow-up is required. Up to now, no significant difference was observed between these two transanal pull-through procedures.

The relationship between postoperative complication and pathological features of 324 patients with neuronal intestinal malformations

To investigate the relationship between the morphological features of different types of neuronal intestinal malformations (NIM) and their postoperative complications. The data of morphological and clinical features of 324 cases with NIM were analyzed retrospectively. In all 324 patients, 210 cases were Hirschsprung's disease (HD), 38 intestinal neuronal dysplasia (IND), 45 mixed HD/IND, 8 hypoganglionosis, 22 combined HD/hypoganglionosis and 1 immaturity of ganglion cells. The percentages of normal neuron in bowel of different NIM were 88.1%, 24.4%, 18.4%, 4/8, 27.7% and 0/1 in HD, HD/IND, IND, hypoganglionosis, HD/hypoganglionosis and immaturity of ganglion cells respectively. There were totally 46 cases complicated with recurrent postoperative enterocolitis (EC). Incidence of recurrent postoperative EC in HD patients was 6.7% while in IND/HD and IND patients was 35.6% and 28.9%, respectively. Incidences of EC in cases with the residual IND margins and with the normal margins were 38.2% and 8.7%, respectively. Incidence of EC in cases with transanal endorectal pull-through procedure and with transabdominal procedure was 18.0% and 8.3%, respectively. Nine cases underwent another procedure because of severe persistent constipation or EC after operation, including 4 cases HD/IND, 1 case IND, 3 cases HD and 1 case HD/hypoganglionosis. Neuron distribution is inconsistent with pathology of NIM. Postoperative EC are rare in the patients only with isolated HD. Furthermore, margins with residual IND and transanal endorectal pull-through procedure are risk factors to recurrent EC. However, the extension of excision about IND is uncertain and need further study.

Transanal one-stage endorectal pull-through for hirschsprung’s disease: a multicenter study

Background/purpose Transanal endorectal pull-through (TEPT) is the latest development in treatment of Hirschsprung’s disease (HD). This prospective study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 1 stage TEPT technique in the management of patients with HD. Methods One hundred forty-nine children (116 boys and 33 girls) aged 8 days to 14 years underwent 1 stage TEPT procedure over an 18-month period at 5 Egyptian academic pediatric surgical centers and affiliated hospitals. Median follow-up was 12 months (range, 3 to 21 months). These patients were evaluated with regard to age, sex, length of the aganglionic segment, intraoperative details, and postoperative functional results or complications. An electromyogram (EMG), endorectal ultrasound scan, and lower gastrointestinal (GI) motility studies were reserved for patients with postoperative problems with bowel control. Results Mean operating time was 120.2 ± 27.8 minutes (range, 60 to 210 minutes). The average length of resected bowel was 26.8 ± 12.4 cm (range, 15 to 45 cm). Thirteen patients required laparotomy because of extension of aganglionic segment beyond the sigmoid colon in 9, tear in the mesenteric vessels in 2, and difficulties in getting to the submucosal plane in 2. Three deaths (2%) occurred 3 days, 4 days, and 4 weeks postoperatively, respectively. Postoperative complications included transient perianal excoriation in 48 patients (30 were <3 months of age), enterocolitis (n = 26), anastomotic stricture (n = 7), recurrent constipation (n = 6), hypoganglionosis at distal end of pulled through segment (n = 2), cuff abscess (n = 3), anastomotic leak (n = 1), adhesive bowel obstruction (n = 1), and rectal prolapse (n = 1). Complete anorectal continence was noted in 35 of 42 (83.3%) children older than 3 years, whereas soiling and frequent accidents still occur in 7, who showed a steady improvement in their continence status. Conclusions One-stage TEPT technique is both feasible and safe technique in properly selected children with rectosigmoid HD in all ages. The technique is easily learned and is associated with excellent clinical results.