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Lu C, Pan S, Chen H, Tang W. Bowel function and features of bowel dysfunction in preschool children with anorectal malformation type rectoperineal and rectovestibular fistula. Eur J Pediatr 2024; 183:599-610. [PMID: 37935997 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05306-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Anorectal malformations (ARMs) of the rectoperineal and rectovestibular fistula type (RPF/RVF) generally have a good prognosis but may be accompanied by bowel dysfunction, especially constipation. Bowel dysfunction in preschoolers may persist into adolescence and adulthood, exerting a negative effect on their quality of life. This study was designed to evaluate bowel function and identify the features of bowel dysfunction in preschoolers with RPF/RVF across type and sex differences. A total of 159 preschoolers with RPF/RVF (male RPF group, n = 95; female RPF group, n = 26; RVF, n = 38) and 128 normal control preschoolers (control group, n = 128; female control group, n = 35), according to the bowel function score (BFS) obtained through a questionnaire survey, the BFS items in the questionnaire, and the clinical characteristics of patients were compared among groups. The rates of bowel dysfunction (BFS < 17) were 27.2% and 50.0% in the RPF and RVF groups, respectively. Normal rates of BFS items, namely, ability to hold back defecation, feels/reports of the urge to defecate, frequency of defecation, and constipation, in the RPF and RVF groups were significantly lower than those in the control and female control groups (all p < 0.05). After subgroup analysis among the male RPF, female RPF, and RVF groups, higher rates of normal bowel function and ability to hold back defecation were found in the male RPF group than in the female RPF and RVF groups (p < 0.05). Normal rates of feels/reports of the urge to defecate were higher in the male and female RPF groups than in the RVF group (all p < 0.05). The rate of never soiling in the male RPF group was significantly higher than that in the RVF group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In patients with RPF/RVF, bowel dysfunction is still prevalent, characterized by inadequate ability to hold back defecation, inability to feel/report the urge to defecate, soil, less frequent defecation, and constipation. However, male RPF patients had better overall bowel function than female RPF or RVF patients, including more adequate ability to hold back defecation and feels/reports of the urge to defecate and slighter soiling, which may be linked to early age at surgery, low occurrences of low sacral ratio, and tethered cord in male RPF. Trial registration: This study was retrospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov on 09/01/2023 (NCT05716230). What is Known: • Rectoperineal and rectovestibular fistula (RPF/RVF) of the anorectal malformation (ARM) type has a good prognosis but may cause bowel dysfunction, especially constipation. • Bowel dysfunction at preschool age may lead to social and psychological disorders that undermine the quality of life in adolescence and adulthood. What is New: • Bowel function in preschoolers with RPF/RVF was deeply evaluated in a relatively large number of patients and normal control children. • Features of bowel dysfunction in RPF/RVF preschoolers across type and gender differences were identified in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changgui Lu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Shiwen Pan
- Department of Anaesthesia and Operation, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Huan Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Weibing Tang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, China.
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Toms AS, Rai E, John NC, Panwar J. Use of ultrasound to estimate the prevalence of occult spinal dysraphism in children undergoing urogenital and anorectal surgeries: A cross-sectional study. J Anaesthesiol Clin Pharmacol 2024; 40:90-94. [PMID: 38666156 PMCID: PMC11042110 DOI: 10.4103/joacp.joacp_254_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim The use of ultrasound has immensely increased the safety toward regional blocks and central venous access and has been considered as the standard of care for securing central access. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of occult spinal dysraphism using ultrasound in children less than 2 years of age undergoing elective urogenital or anorectal surgery. Material and Methods The lumbosacral region of 159 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) category I/II patients, posted for elective urogenital and anorectal surgery was scanned with ultrasound, prior to giving caudal block. Results The prevalence of occult spina bifida was 3% in our study. There was no statistically significant association of cutaneous marker with abnormal scan. Conclusion Prevalence of occult spina bifida was ten-times higher in our study than in the general population. Perioperative ultrasound screening of the lower spinal anatomy by anesthesiologist done prior to performing neuraxial block is worthwhile in ruling out occult spinal anomalies in high-risk children of occult spinal dysraphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Sumin Toms
- Asst. Professor, Department of Anaesthesiology, CMC Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ekta Rai
- Professor and Head, Department of Anaesthesiology, CMC Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Novin Chacko John
- Senior Registrar, Department of Anaesthesiology, CMC Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jyoti Panwar
- Professor, Department of Radiology, CMC Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
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de Beaufort CMC, Groenveld JC, Mackay TM, Slot KM, de Beer SA, de Jong JR, van Schuppen J, McDonald CJ, Bakker DP, van den Berg E, Kuijper CF, Gorter RR. Spinal cord anomalies in children with anorectal malformations: a retrospective cohort study. Pediatr Surg Int 2023; 39:153. [PMID: 36934393 PMCID: PMC10025224 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-023-05440-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE First, to assess the number of spinal cord anomalies (SCA), specifically tethered spinal cord (TSC) in patients with anorectal malformations (ARM), identified with spinal cord imaging (i.e. spinal cord US and/or MRI). Second, to report outcomes after TSC treatment. METHODS A retrospective mono-center study was performed. All ARM patients born between January 2000 and December 2021 were included. Screening for SCA consisted of spinal cord US and/or MRI. Radiology reports were scored on presence of SCA. Data were presented with descriptive statistics. RESULTS In total, 254 patients were eligible for inclusion, of whom 234 (92.1%) underwent spinal cord imaging. In total, 52 (22.2%) patients had a SCA, diagnosed with US (n = 20, 38.5%), MRI (n = 10, 19.2%), or both US and MRI (n = 22, 42.3%), of whom 12 (23.5%) with simple, 27 (52.7%) intermediate, and 12 (23.5%) complex ARM types. TSC was identified in 19 patients (8.1%), of whom 4 (21.1%) underwent uncomplicated neurosurgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS SCA were present in 22% of ARM patients both in simple, as well as more complex ARM types. TSC was present in 19 patients with SCA, of whom 4 underwent uncomplicated neurosurgical intervention. Therefore, screening for SCA seems to be important for all ARM patients, regardless of ARM type. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cunera M C de Beaufort
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Emma Children's Hospital Amsterdam UMC, Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam UMC, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Emma Children's Hospital Amsterdam UMC, Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Gastroenterology and Metabolism Research Institute and Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Julia C Groenveld
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Emma Children's Hospital Amsterdam UMC, Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tara M Mackay
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Surgery, Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - K Mariam Slot
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Neurosurgery, Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd A de Beer
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Emma Children's Hospital Amsterdam UMC, Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Justin R de Jong
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Emma Children's Hospital Amsterdam UMC, Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joost van Schuppen
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Carola J McDonald
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dewi P Bakker
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Elske van den Berg
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Caroline F Kuijper
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Emma Children's Hospital Amsterdam UMC, Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ramon R Gorter
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Emma Children's Hospital Amsterdam UMC, Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Perlman S, Shwartz I, Hazan Y, Weissbach A, Gilboa Y, Kravarusic D, Samuk I. Fetal Sacral Ratio: A Novel Method for Prenatal Sonographic Assessment of Sacral Abnormalities. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2022; 41:2005-2010. [PMID: 34792823 DOI: 10.1002/jum.15882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The sacral ratio (SR) was described as a postnatal X-ray-based method to detect sacral abnormalities and predict functional prognosis for fecal continence in children with anorectal malformations (ARMs). The present study aimed to describe a novel method of assessing sonographic fetal sacral ratio (f-SR) in a normal population of fetuses. METHODS Sixty three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound reconstruction images of the sacrum obtained from routine low-risk scans performed between 21 and 26 weeks of gestation served for measurement. The f-SR was calculated in a coronal view as the ratio between lines drawn at the upper and lower levels of the iliac bone and the 5th sacral vertebra. Bland-Altman plots assessed the inter- and intrareader variabilities of measurements. RESULTS The f-SR in the normal population of fetuses was 0.913 (±0.094). During the study period, three cases with ARM were examined and had a mean f-SR of 0.55. There was good repeatability of measurements and between readers' agreement. CONCLUSIONS The present study introduces a novel prenatal sonographic f-SR that can be reliably calculated on prenatal 3D ultrasound with good reliability and reproducibility. Future research will identify the clinical significance of f-SR abnormalities in ARM and their long-term impact on continence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Perlman
- Ultrasound Unit, The Helen Schneider Women's Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petach Tikva, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Itai Shwartz
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yenon Hazan
- Ultrasound Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel
- The Hebrew University and Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Avichai Weissbach
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Yinon Gilboa
- Ultrasound Unit, The Helen Schneider Women's Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petach Tikva, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dragan Kravarusic
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Surgery, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Inbal Samuk
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Colorectal Service, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Surgery, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva, Israel
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Fernandez-Portilla E, Moreno-Acosta L, Dominguez-Muñoz A, Gonzalez-Carranza V, Chico-Ponce de Leon F, Davila-Perez R. Functional outcome after cord detethering in fecally incontinent patients with anorectal malformations. Pediatr Surg Int 2021; 37:419-424. [PMID: 33427923 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-020-04834-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Tethered cord (TC) occurs in 36% of patients with anorectal malformations (ARMs), for whom the benefit of detethering surgery remains unclear regarding bowel and/or bladder function. This study aimed to examine whether cord detethering could improve fecal and urinary incontinence in these patients. METHODS This was a retrospective study of TC patients (>3 years old) with fecal incontinence and ARMs, who underwent detethering surgery between 2016 and 2020 and were followed up for at least 6 months. RESULTS Of the 27 included patients, 55% had sacral ratios between 0.4 and 0.7, and in 37% it was < 0.4; the remaining 8% was over 0.7; 52% suffered from colonic hypermotility. After detethering surgery, partial fecal continence was achieved in five patients (18%); total fecal continence, in ten patients (37%); 12 (44%) remained fecally incontinent. Partial urinary continence was obtained in four cases (14%), and the number of patients with total urinary continence rose from 7 (25%) to 15 (55%). Lower extremity symptoms were also improved in 72% of the cases. Patients with colonic hypomotility were found to have a better functional outcome than those with colonic hypermotility (69% vs. 43%, respectively). CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated that detethering surgery led to remarkably improved bowel and bladder control in ARM patients with fecal incontinence, which, surprisingly, was not associated with sacral ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Fernandez-Portilla
- Colorectal Clinic, Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez, Calle Doctor Márquez 162, Col Doctores, Del Cuauhtémoc, 06720, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Leticia Moreno-Acosta
- Colorectal Clinic, Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez, Calle Doctor Márquez 162, Col Doctores, Del Cuauhtémoc, 06720, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alfredo Dominguez-Muñoz
- Colorectal Clinic, Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez, Calle Doctor Márquez 162, Col Doctores, Del Cuauhtémoc, 06720, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Roberto Davila-Perez
- Colorectal Clinic, Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez, Calle Doctor Márquez 162, Col Doctores, Del Cuauhtémoc, 06720, Mexico City, Mexico
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Long-term urologic and gynecologic follow-up and the importance of collaboration for patients with anorectal malformations. Semin Pediatr Surg 2020; 29:150987. [PMID: 33288143 PMCID: PMC8570052 DOI: 10.1016/j.sempedsurg.2020.150987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Anorectal malformations (ARM) are well recognized to be associated with anomalies in other organ systems. The introduction of screening protocols has increased the diagnosis of these anomalies and greater collaboration with other specialties has influenced the treatment and follow-up of patients with ARMs. Much of the medical literature regarding the treatment of anorectal malformations has focused on technical details of operations and early post-surgical outcomes. Recently, an increase in published data regarding the long-term sequelae of an ARM diagnosis has resulted in an emphasis extended follow up in this population. Patient support groups have highlighted complex issues in ARM patients persist into adulthood have advocated for improved transitional care. This article describes the benefits of long-term follow-up and identifies key issues in ARM patients with respect to urologic and gynecologic health. A collaborative model of care is outlined and suggested timings of screening for potential problems is described.
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Anatomic factors predict urinary continence in patient with anorectal malformation. J Pediatr Urol 2020; 16:545.e1-545.e7. [PMID: 32798105 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2020.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
It has been described that patients with more complex anorectal malformations (ARM), lower sacral ratios and spinal anomalies have poorer rates of fecal and urinary continence. While the ARM subtype has been shown to be an independent predictor of fecal continence, it is not well understood how each of these anatomic factors impact urinary continence. The purpose of this study was to identify anatomic factors associated with urinary continence in children born with ARM. We performed a retrospective review of a large prospectively collected database of children with ARM. Inclusion criteria included diagnosis of ARM, age >4 years, available lateral sacral ratio measurement and presence of spinal MRI. Any child with incomplete or absent continence data was excluded. Continence was defined as voiding per urethra volitionally, dry between voids and ≤1 urinary accident per week. Bivariable tests of association and log-binomial regression models were used to examine association between anatomic factors and urinary continence. A total of 434 patients were included in the study. 57.8% (n = 251) were male. Median age was 8.4 years (IQR 6.0-12.3). With regards to severity of ARM, 20.3% (n = 88) were complex, 23.3% (n = 101) were moderate and 56.5% (n = 245) were simple. Lateral sacral ratio included 11.1% (n = 48) that were <0.4, 36.2% (n = 157) 0.4-0.7 and 52.8% (n = 229) > 0.7. Spine status was found to be myelomeningocele in 4.4% (n = 19), low conus or tethered cord in 34.8% (n = 151) and normal or fatty filum in 60.8% (n = 264). Overall 62.2% were continent. ARM severity, lateral sacral ratio and spine status were each independent predictors of urinary continence on univariate and multivariable analysis. We conclude that in children born with ARM, the severity of ARM, lateral sacral ratio and spine status each independently predict urinary continence. These results allow us to better understand these complex patients and their ability to develop urinary continence. This is crucial in enabling proper patient and family counseling and thus, setting appropriate expectations.
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Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated the anorectal musclulature in normal children and anorectal malformations (ARM) to evaluate its role in bowel control mechanism. METHODS Pelves of 50 neonates died of ARM-unrelated diseases and 16 patients with anorectal malformations (8 high, 5 intermediate, and 3 low ARMs) were dissected and analyzed. RESULTS Normal anorectal musculature was divided into three muscular tubes: the internal sphincter tube (IAST), longitudinal muscle tube (LMT) and transverse muscle tube (TMT). The LMT came from the outer longitudinal smooth muscle fiber of the rectum and the striated muscle fiber of the levator ani, and the TMT composed of the puborectalis and the external anal sphincter. However, in ARM, the IAST was absent and the LMT, the center of the sphincter muscle complex, was only from the levator ani and could be divided into the pelvic portion and the perineal portion. The former, from the upper rim of the puborectalis to the bulbar urethral, became narrowed and dislocated anteriorly near to the posterior urethra in high ARM and rectal pouch in intermediate ARM. The latter, below the bulbar urethra to the anal dimple, was fused to a column both in high and intermediate ARM. The columnar perineal LMT run downwards and then split, penetrated the superficial part of EAS and terminated at the deep aspect of the skin, to form the anal dimple, which represents the center of the perineal LMT from the perineal aspect. The length of the LMT was longer in high and intermediate ARM than the normal neonate. The columnar perineal LMT and narrowed pelvic LMT could be possibly identified by laparoscopic and perineal approaches retrospectively and widened to allow the passage of the rectum through. CONCLUSIONS The anorectal musculature in ARM is composed of agenesic LMT and TMT and the narrowed LMT gives anatomical evidence of the center, where the neorectum should pull through.
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