Congenital pouch colon: follow-up and functional results after definitive surgery

Congenital Pouch Colon: Case Series and Review of Evidences for Resection

Background:

Congenital pouch colon (CPC) is a rare variant of anorectal malformations (ARM) with its highest reported incidence in India. We aimed to describe five patients affected by CPC, in which the tissue from the terminal dilated colon has been successfully used and to discuss our results on the light of an extended revision of the literature.

Materials and Methods:

The clinical details of five cases treated for CPC in two Italian Centers were retrospectively reviewed assessing the fate of the terminal dilated colon.

Results:

In all cases, the tissue from dilated colon has been used. The double vascular system of the dilated pouch allowed increasing bladder capacity (case 4), reconstruction of the vagina (case 3, 5), and lengthening of the colon (case 1, 2, 5).In our series, 3/5 have a good bowel control with daily bowel management after ARM correction. In literature, there are not differences in terms of dependence from bowel management in patients with pouch resected and in patients with pouch saved (P = 0.16).

Conclusions:

We acknowledge that the analysis of the available literature is limited by the absence of studies with high level of evidence and the removal or the preservation of the abnormal colon tissue seems to follow the surgeon preferences.

[Morphological criteria for surgical treatment of anorectal malformations in children]

OBJECTIVE

To improve treatment outcomes in patients with anorectal malformations via research of morphological criteria and differentiated approach to surgical correction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There were 37 children with various types of anorectal malformations for the period 2000-2019. We analyzed morphological features of atretic rectum wall, fistula, anastomosis with adjacent organs and skin of the perineum.

RESULTS

Morphological research of anorectal malformations made it possible to differentiate treatment strategy and explain the causes of unsatisfactory results after perineal and abdominal-perineal proctoplasty. Incidence and severity of complications, as well as early disability were reduced that significantly improved postoperative quality of life.

CONCLUSION

According to the morphological criteria, deeper mobilization of atretic rectum within at least 2.5-3 cm of the rectal «cone» with intact muscular wall is necessary. This approach was valuable to ensure adequate closure function of the rectum, prevent anal incontinence and restore normal appearance of the perineum. These achievements contributed to decrease in the incidence of admissions, redo surgeries and improvement of social adaptation in children.

Congenital pouch colon in Duhok, outcome and complications: Case series

Background

Congenital pouch colon (CPC) is a rare congenital abnormality associated with anorectal malformations with high incidence of complications and mortality. The aim of this study is to describe the various types of congenital colon pouch, their management aspects, complications of surgery, and the best management options.

Results

The incidence of congenital pouch colon in the present study was 5.3% (18 patients) of all anorectal malformations. Sixteen cases (88.8%) were males and 2 cases (12.5%) were females, (M: F ratio was 8:1). The age of presentation was ranged from 1day to 1year; 17 cases were presented in first week of life. Preoperative diagnosis of congenital pouch colon was done in 7 patients. As an initial procedure tabularization of the pouch with end colostomy was done in 15 cases, window colostomy was done in 2 cases, and excision of the pouch and proximal ileostomy was done in one patient. As a definitive procedure, abdomino-perineal pull-through of the tabularized pouch was done in 15 cases, ileo-anal anastomosis after pouch excision was done in 3 cases.

Conclusions

Pouch tabularization and end colostomy had better outcome than other types of interventions. Abdomino-perineal pull through of the tabularized pouch was the definitive surgical procedure for treatment of complete pouch colon in our study.

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Congenital pouch colon is a rare disease that requires early diagnosis and treatment.

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Window colostomy at the pouch is better to be avoided due to high incidence of complications.

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Pouch tabularization and end colostomy has better outcome than other types of interventions.

Congenital pouch colon: Our experience with coloplasty

BACKGROUND

Congenital pouch colon (CPC) or congenital short colon is an entity found mainly in Indian subcontinent. In CPC, colon is replaced with partially or completely abnormal pouch connected to the genitourinary tract by a fistula (colovesical). Management protocol is different in different institute. In this article, we are sharing our three stage standard management approach; principle and technique of coloplasty in cases in which colon length is not adequate for pull through and their follow-up. This study aims to show the result of coloplasty in complete CPC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is retrospective observational study, of 5 years duration. The medical record of these patients was reviewed for demographic information, clinical features, investigations performed, operative notes, post-operative events and the outcome of surgery.

RESULTS

Total of 626 ARM cases were managed in 5 years duration in which 64 were of pouch colon. The age of presentation was 1-15 days. In fifty patients who completed their, all stage in that 34 patients were in which coloplasty were done in rest of 16 cases excision of CPC and colonic pull through done in view of adequate colonic length (type III and IV) for pull through. In 34 patient in which coloplasty were done showed satisfactory cosmetic and functional out came after stoma closer in follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Properly created coloplasty and three stage procedure for complete pouch colon give better result and less complications. Excision of pouch is not requiring in all cases of CPC.

Assessment of Nutritional Status of Patients of Congenital Pouch Colon Following Definitive Surgery

Purpose:

To assess the nutritional status in 31 patients of congenital pouch colon (CPC) who had undergone definitive surgery and closure of a protective stoma, if any, at least 1 year earlier and were below 14 years age.

Materials and Methods:

The clinical history, demographic details, anthropometric measurements, and results of hematological and biochemical tests were recorded. In addition to collective data, analysis was also performed after grouping by age, subtype of CPC (Types I/II and Types III/IV CPC), and in Types I/II CPC patients, by whether the colonic pouch had been completely excised or else a segment preserved by tubular colorraphy (TC).

Results:

Severe fecal incontinence (FI) was common (64.52%). Anthropometry showed a significant malnutrition in 53.85–95.45% patients, especially stunting which was most prevalent in the 0–5 years age-group. Serum Vitamin B₁₂, folate, and Vitamin D were lower than normal in 38.71%, 22.58%, and 74.19% patients, respectively, without statistically significant difference among the various groups studied. Patients with Types I/II CPC had a statistically significant higher incidence of anemia, low serum ferritin, and severe FI than patients with Types III/IV CPC. Patients with Types I/II CPC, managed by excision of the colonic pouch, had a higher incidence of severe FI, wasting, and thinness than those undergoing TC.

Conclusions:

On follow-up of the patients of CPC, anthropometry shows a high incidence of malnutrition, especially stunting in the 0–5 years age-group. There is an adequate adaptation of fluid-electrolyte homeostasis. Although Types I/II CPC patients have a significantly higher incidence of anemia and severe FI than Types III/IV CPC patients, long-term anthropometric parameters are similar. In Types I/II CPC, preservation of the colonic pouch by TC offers long-term benefit.

Congenital Pouch Colon

Congenital pouch colon (CPC) is an unusual abnormality in which a pouch-like dilatation of a shortened colon is associated with an anorectal malformation. It is categorized into four subtypes (Types I–IV) based on the length of normal colon proximal to the colonic pouch. In males, the pouch usually terminates in a colovesical fistula just proximal to the bladder neck. In girls, the terminal fistula opens either into the urethra or in the vestibule, close to the urethral opening. Girls usually have a double vagina with a wide inter-vaginal bridge, a monocornuate uterus on each side, and urinary incontinence due to a widely open bladder neck. Associated major malformations are uncommon with CPC but sometimes, especially in reports from outside India, major abnormalities are present suggesting an early, severe error in embryogenesis. The more severe Types I/II CPC can usually be diagnosed by a large gas shadow or air-fluid level on X-Ray abdomen. For all subtypes of CPC, it is preferable to preserve a segment of the pouch by fashioning a narrow colonic tube for pull-through, the technique known as coloplasty or tubular colorraphy. Girls need additional management of the genitourinary abnormalities. Postoperatively, fecal continence levels are usually poor, especially with Types I/II CPC.

Management options of congenital pouch colon--a rare variant of anorectal malformation

PURPOSE

Congenital pouch colon (CPC) was analysed for anatomical variations and surgical options.

METHODS

Records of CPC patients managed between 1999 and 2014 were studied. CPC was classified as complete (CCPC) and incomplete (ICPC) pouch.

RESULTS

Of 400 cases of high anorectal malformations, 68 cases were CPC (17%). Male:female ratio was 2:1. Fistulous communication was colovesical, colocloacal, colovaginal and absent in 42, 15, 8 and 3 cases. ICPC and CCPC was 48 (70%) and 20 (30%). In neonatal period, proximal/end colostomy (31), ileostomy (6), pouch excision with abdominoperineal pull-through (18 cases) and coloplasty with end colostomy (7) were done. 6 presented as infants including 3 referred cases of CCPC with a window colostomy. Definitive surgery was completed in 56. Severe colonic dilatation after coloplasty was noted in 5, requiring excision of coloplasty segment in 2. Histopathology of excised pouch (45) showed muscle layer disorganization, widened sub mucosa, prominent vasculature and mature and immature ganglion cells, with no hypertrophy of nerve fibres. Diarrhoea and faecal incontinence (soiling) were more frequent in patients with CCPC versus ICPC. Six neonates with CCPC died. Six are awaiting definitive surgery.

CONCLUSION

CPC had 8.8% neonatal mortality. Pouch excision and definitive procedure are feasible in neonates with CPC. Coloplasty in CCPC may result in postoperative colonic dilatation.

Single stage management of a unique variant of congenital pouch colon with triplet fistula and normal anus

Congenital pouch colon (CPC) in the female patient presents with highly variable and anomalous anatomy. We herein report the first case of CPC with uterus didelphys having normal anal opening, H-type vestibular fistula, two other fistulous communications between pouch colon and two vagina managed in a single stage with excellent postoperative outcome.

Qualitative analysis of studies concerning quality of life in children and adults with anorectal malformations

INTRODUCTION

Anorectal malformations are relatively common congenital anomalies in pediatric surgery. After definitive surgery constipation, soiling, and fecal incontinence are frequently seen problems. Quality of life (QoL) can be influenced by these problems. In the last decades QoL has become an important aspect in the treatment and follow-up of patients with anorectal malformations. This has resulted in various reports concerning QoL. In order to deduce whether the drawn conclusions in the different studies are correct and can be used to adjust standard care for patients with ARM, a qualitative analysis of the studies was performed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A literature study was performed in PubMed, Psychinfo, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library (240 hits). Thirty articles were used, following application of our inclusion criteria and in-depth analysis of the articles. A methodological qualitative analysis was also performed and QoL outcome assessed.

RESULTS

Six authors (20.0%) used validated QoL questionnaires. Four articles were longitudinal and had more than one measure moment. Eleven studies (36.7%) used only non-validated questionnaires, and eight studies (26.6%) used only validated questionnaires. Nineteen studies correlated fecal continence to QoL, and seven studies established no correlation. Three of these seven studies used validated QoL questionnaires. All twelve studies, which did establish a correlation, used non-validated QoL questionnaires.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 83% of the studies had not used validated QoL questionnaires. Further, conclusions concerning QoL were often based on functional outcomes, for example fecal incontinence. So far, longitudinal high quality research on QoL in this group has not been achieved.

Study of pelvic floor and sphincter muscles in congenital pouch colon with the help of three-dimensional CT scan

INTRODUCTION

Congenital pouch colon (CPC) is a pouch-like dilatation of shortened colon associated with anorectal malformation (ARM). The disease is prevalent in northern India. Postoperatively, the continence results are not as good as in other ARMs and there is higher incidence of incontinence and perineal soiling in these patients. The present study aimed to evaluate the pelvic floor and sphincter muscle characteristics in patients of CPC with the help of 64-slice computerized tomography with three-dimensional (3D) volumetric reconstructions of images, thus, to know the overall quality of these muscles in the patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was conducted in patients admitted over a period of July 2007 to November 2008 in our department. Totally, eight patients of CPC were subjected to 64-slice CT with three-dimensional reconstructions of images and different parameters such as quality of pelvic floor muscles, configuration of vertical and parasagittal fibres, shape and thickness of sphincter muscle complex, attenuation values of sphincters were studied.

RESULTS

The 3D reconstructed images of pelvis in patients of CPC showed a well-developed pelvic floor and sphincter muscle complex. The length of the parasagittal fibres, transverse width of the vertical fibres and CT attenuation values of these structures with overall muscle quality were found to be good in these patients.

CONCLUSION

In cases of CPC, the pelvic floor muscles including striated muscle complex (vertical and parasagittal fibres) are well developed. Higher rates of incontinence and soiling in CPC are not because of poorly developed pelvic floor and sphincter muscles. Three-dimensional CT can also provide important anatomical information that can help the operating surgeon while performing surgery.

A report of a rare congenital malformation in a Nepalese child with congenital pouch colon: a case report

Congenital pouch colon is one of rare congenital anomalies. We report a 3-day-old male child with congenital pouch colon who underwent a window colostomy but died because of overwhelming sepsis. Due to its rarity, many surgeons in our part of the world may not be aware of it, hence increasing the potential to its mismanagement. However, with simple keen observations, we can safely come to its diagnosis. The aim of this report is to bring attention to congenital pouch colon associated with anorectal malformation in our country, with a brief emphasis on an approach to its diagnosis and initial management.

Pouch colon associated with anorectal malformations fails to show spontaneous contractions but responds to acetylcholine and histamine in vitro

PURPOSE

Congenital pouch colon (CPC) associated with anorectal malformation (ARM) is most commonly reported from Northern India. So far, no physiologic study comparing the detailed contractile status of CPC with non-CPC conditions are available. The present article deals with the contractile study and histopathologic observations in CPC, which may be useful for better surgical management.

METHODS

Freshly excised 12 neonatal CPC and similar number of non-CPC (control) specimens were transferred to ice-cold (4 degrees C-6 degrees C) Krebs-Ringer solution bubbled with 100% oxygen. Longitudinally prepared 2 to 4 colonic strips were obtained from central part of each specimen and subjected to the contraction recording after exposure to cumulative concentrations of acetylcholine (ACh) and histamine. Acetylcholine-induced contractions were evaluated after application of atropine (muscarinic blocker), and histaminergic contractions were recorded after pheniramine (H(1) blocker), lignocaine (neuronal blocker), and atropine. Histopathologic observations were made by using H&E and Masson trichrome stains.

RESULTS

Control specimens showed spontaneous contractions, but CPC strips did not. Both control and CPC responded to ACh and histamine. The response to histamine was greater (P < .05) in CPC as compared to control, whereas the response to ACh was more (P < .05) in control. In CPC, response of histamine (100 micromol/L) was blocked by pheniramine (0.32 mmol/L) and lignocaine (4 mmol/L) by 97% and 80%, respectively, and enhanced by 57% after preapplication of atropine (10 micromol/L). Acetylcholine (100 micromol/L)-induced contractions were attenuated (86%) in presence of atropine. Histopathologic examination showed fewer mature ganglion cells with various changes in muscle layers including fibrosis, disruption, hypertrophy, atrophy, and constriction bands.

CONCLUSION

Congenital pouch colon associated with ARM lacks normal spontaneous contractions but retains ACh and histamine-induced contractility. In view of the functional and histologic abnormalities, we propose that CPC associated with ARM is an abnormally functional and developed tissue. Therefore, resection of the pouch should be considered for better functional outcome of the remaining bowel.

Abdominotransanal approach to pouch colon associated with rectal atresia

Pouch colon anomaly and high anorectal malformation are well-defined rare anomalies. The association of pouch colon anomaly with rectal atresia has previously been defined in only one case. In this study, a 2-day-old baby is presented with pouch colon anomaly without fistula and with rectal atresia. As a second case in the literature, this pathologic condition has been treated through the abdominotransanal route by using a single-stage endorectal coloanal pull-through. Being uncommon and having an important therapeutic approach, this case has been evaluated as worth presenting.

A report of a rare congenital malformation in a Nepalese child with congenital pouch colon: a case report

Congenital pouch colon is one of rare congenital anomalies. We report a 3-day-old male child with congenital pouch colon who underwent a window colostomy but died because of overwhelming sepsis. Due to its rarity, many surgeons in our part of the world may not be aware of it, hence increasing the potential to its mismanagement. However, with simple keen observations, we can safely come to its diagnosis. The aim of this report is to bring attention to congenital pouch colon associated with anorectal malformation in our country, with a brief emphasis on an approach to its diagnosis and initial management.

Technique and long-term results of coloplasty for congenital short colon

PURPOSE

This paper aims to present the modified technique of coloplasty for congenital short colon (CSC) and analyse the long-term results of this operative procedure.

METHODS

A total of 310 patients of CSC have been admitted to out department between 1975 and 2007; 138 have been treated by the modified technique of coloplasty. Seven patients expired after coloplasty and nine are awaiting ileostomy closure. One hundred and twenty-two have completed all stages of surgery (study group). In these patients, three-stage surgical management (window colostomy, coloplasty with ileostomy and ileostomy closure) was performed. The range of follow-up is from 2 months to 18 years. The patients have been observed for: quality of muscle at the time of PSARP, Kelly's continence score, growth and development, schooling and social interactions and complications. Contrast study of the coloplasty tube has been done at different stages during follow-up with observation of colon diameter, evidence of peristalsis and colon emptying.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven patients from the study group have good quality of life, normal growth and development, where appropriate, they go to school and have normal social interactions. Using Kelly's scoring system, the results are good in 97 (stool frequency up to 3/day, no perineal excoriation, no soiling), fair in 9 (stool frequency 3-5/day, occasional perineal excoriation and occasional soiling) and poor in 16 (continuous stooling, soiling, perineal excoriation or complications). Complications include perineal dehiscence needing permanent colostomy (n=1), closure of the distal end of the coloplasty tube requiring revision (n=2), adhesive intestinal obstruction requiring re-exploration (n=2). Additionally intractable perineal excoriation (n=8), colonic dilatation requiring pouch excision and conversion to ileal 'S' pouch (n=2) and failure to thrive (n=4) were also seen.

CONCLUSIONS

Congenital short colon is the most severe colonic malformation barring cloacal exstrophy; however, good quality of life can be offered to these patients by coloplasty. The important technical step is to make the colonic tube long and small in diameter, so that it can propel stools and resist dilatation. These steps have been highlighted in the paper.

Unusual variants of congenital pouch colon with anorectal malformations

Anorectal malformations are common worldwide. Several classifications were used to describe the different types, but in spite of this, there are rare variants. This report describes 2 unusual cases of congenital pouch colon and anorectal malformations.

Congenital pouch colon associated with anorectal malformation: report of 2 cases

Congenital pouch colon associated with anorectal malformation is an unusual anomaly reported most frequently in Asian countries. Pediatric surgeons must be familiar with this anomaly and the pre- and postoperative problems of these patients. The aim of this report is to bring attention to congenital pouch colon associated with anorectal malformation by discussing experiences with 2 patients.