Perinatally discovered complete tubular colonic duplication associated with anal atresia

Recto-vestibular fistula with colonic duplication: report of three cases and review of literature

Background

Anorectal malformations associated with colonic duplications are a rare condition. Double terminations of tubular colonic duplication in the perineum are even rarer. Colonic duplication may have different presentations according to its location and size and incidence of less than 15% of all gastrointestinal duplications. We hereby report three such cases of recto-vestibular fistula along with underlying tubular colorectal duplication over a period of 10 years (2010–2020) managed successfully by different surgical approaches. These cases also illustrate the diagnostic challenge and variable presentation of colonic duplications in female patients with recto-vestibular fistula.

Case presentation

Case 1 is a patient with flank heteropagus with absent anal opening and recto-vestibular fistula, while cases 2 and 3 presented as suspected H-type recto-vestibular fistula with normal anal opening. All the cases were however managed with a specific surgical approach on case basis. Duplicated colon was excised in case 1, but in case 2 and case 3, duplicated colon was converted into single channel using proximal and distal staplers. Further definitive repair of female recto-vestibular fistula was done.

Conclusions

Colorectal duplication is a rare congenital malformation, and their association with anorectal malformations is even rarer. This association can have varied presentation, and surgical approach should be according to the congenital anatomical variations on case-to-case basis. Colonic duplications should always be ruled out in a female newborn child with history of passage of stools both from the vestibule and anus.

Complete Colonic Duplication and Perineal Fistula: Transanal Mucosectomy of the Ectopic Rectum

Background Colonic duplication may present in different anatomic variants. The surgical approach towards these anomalies can be challenging and has implications for subsequent future continence.

Case Description  We report on a 1-year-old girl with congenital heart defect and pacemaker who was referred to us with an anorectal malformation. The patient was stooling from both an anus and a perineal fistula. Examination under anesthesia revealed an orthotopic and age-appropriate sized anus with surrounding sphincter and a second rectal lumen ending as a perineal fistula. A computed tomography and contrast enema indicated colonic duplication. Exploratory laparotomy showed a duplicated terminal ileum leading to two ceca and appendices, which joined to a duplicated colon with a septum and common mesentery. At the rectosigmoid junction, one part of the duplication ended as a perineal fistula, the second one led to the (orthotope) anus. The common colonic wall was divided using a stapler. The rectal duplication leading to the perineal fistula was not completely resected but treated by mucosectomy only (Soave plane) leaving its muscular cuff in place. Finally, an ileostomy was created. The postoperative course was uneventful. A contrast enema prior to ostomy takedown demonstrated a well-configurated colon and rectum without stenosis or impaction. The girl is currently continent with a complete resolution of her constipation.

Conclusion  In cases of complete colonic duplication division of the common wall is simple and safe. Mucosectomy of the ectopic rectum limits pelvic dissection and preserves the entire muscular wall of the duplicated orthotope rectum.

Anorectal emergencies

Anorectal emergencies refer to anorectal disorders presenting with some alarming symptoms such as acute anal pain and bleeding which might require an immediate management. This article deals with the diagnosis and management of common anorectal emergencies such as acutely thrombosed external hemorrhoid, thrombosed or strangulated internal hemorrhoid, bleeding hemorrhoid, bleeding anorectal varices, anal fissure, irreducible or strangulated rectal prolapse, anorectal abscess, perineal necrotizing fasciitis (Fournier gangrene), retained anorectal foreign bodies and obstructing rectal cancer. Sexually transmitted diseases as anorectal non-surgical emergencies and some anorectal emergencies in neonates are also discussed. The last part of this review dedicates to the management of early complications following common anorectal procedures that may present as an emergency including acute urinary retention, bleeding, fecal impaction and anorectal sepsis. Although many of anorectal disorders presenting in an emergency setting are not life-threatening and may be successfully treated in an outpatient clinic, an accurate diagnosis and proper management remains a challenging problem for clinicians. A detailed history taking and a careful physical examination, including digital rectal examination and anoscopy, is essential for correct diagnosis and plan of treatment. In some cases, some imaging examinations, such as endoanal ultrasonography and computerized tomography scan of whole abdomen, are required. If in doubt, the attending physicians should not hesitate to consult an expert e.g., colorectal surgeon about the diagnosis, proper management and appropriate follow-up.

Caudal Duplication Syndrome: the Vital Role of a Multidisciplinary Approach and Staged Correction

Caudal duplication syndrome is a rare entity that describes the association between congenital anomalies involving caudal structures and may have a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. A full-term male presented with combination of anomalies including anorectal malformation, duplication of the colon and lower urinary tract, split of the lower spine, and lipomyelomeningocele with tethering of the cord. We report this exceptional case of caudal duplication syndrome with special emphasis on surgical strategy and approach combining all disciplines involved. The purpose of this report is to present the pathology, assessment, and management strategy of this complex case.

Tubular Colonic Duplication Presenting as Rectovestibular Fistula

Complete colonic duplication is a very rare congenital anomaly that may have different presentations according to its location and size. Complete colonic duplication can occur in about 15% of all gastrointestinal duplications. Double termination of tubular colonic duplication in the perineum is even more uncommon. We present a case of a Y-shaped tubular colonic duplication which presented with a rectovestibular fistula and a normal anus. Radiological evaluation and initial exploration for sigmoidostomy revealed duplicated colons with a common vascular supply. Endorectal mucosal resection of theduplicated distal segment till the colostomy site with division of the septum of the proximal segment and colostomy closure proved curative without compromise of the continence mechanism. Tubular colonic duplication should always be ruled out when a diagnosis of perineal canal is considered in cases of vestibular fistula alongwith a normal anus.

Incidentally found rectal duplication during surgery for rectovestibular fistula and its management

Association of rectal duplication with rectovestibular fistula is rare. A 3-month-old patient underwent primary posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) for rectovestibular fistula. During surgery the patient was found to have a rectal duplication (RD). We managed the case by excising the common wall and fenestrating the two lumens together and completed the PSARP.

Acute abdomen secondary to complete tubular colonic duplication

We report the case of a 6-month-old infant who presented with a complete duplication of the large intestine, debuting clinically with acute abdomen and severe metabolic disorders. We discuss the pathogenesis and morphology of the lesions, diagnostic difficulties and peculiarities of surgical treatment.