Redo posterior sagittal anorectoplasty for lateral mislocation in patients with anorectal malformations

Bowel function and associated risk factors at preschool and early childhood age in children with anorectal malformation type rectovestibular fistula: An ARM-Net consortium study

BACKGROUND

Outcome of patients operated for anorectal malformation (ARM) type rectovestibular fistula (RVF) is generally considered to be good. However, large multi-center studies are scarce, mostly describing pooled outcome of different ARM-types, in adult patients. Therefore, counseling parents concerning the bowel function at early age is challenging. Aim of this study was to evaluate bowel function of RVF-patients at preschool/early childhood age and determine risk factors for poor functional outcome.

METHODS

A multi-center cohort study was performed. Patient characteristics, associated anomalies, sacral ratio, surgical procedures, post-reconstructive complications, one-year constipation, and Bowel Function Score (BFS) at 4-7 years of follow-up were registered. Groups with below normal (BFS < 17; subgroups 'poor' ≤ 11, and 'fair' 11 < BFS < 17) and good outcome (BFS ≥ 17) were formed. Univariable analyses were performed to detect risk factors for outcome.

RESULTS

The study included 111 RVF-patients. Median BFS was 16 (range 6-20). The 'below normal' group consisted of 61 patients (55.0%). Overall, we reported soiling, fecal accidents, and constipation in 64.9%, 35.1% and 70.3%, respectively. Bowel management was performed in 23.4% of patients. Risk factors for poor outcome were tethered cord and low sacral ratio, while sacral anomalies, low sacral ratio, prior enterostomy, post-reconstructive complications, and one-year constipation were for being on bowel management.

CONCLUSIONS

Although median BFS at 4-7 year follow-up is nearly normal, the majority of patients suffers from some degree of soiling and constipation, and almost 25% needs bowel management. Several factors were associated with poor bowel function outcome and bowel management.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Anatomical derangements after failed PSARP: correlating MRI and operative findings

Background

Redo surgery for anorectal anomalies (ARA) may be considered a special category of reconstructive surgery with less predictable outcomes. In this report, we studied anatomical derangements in a group of boys following a previously complicated PSARP procedure, in addition to the effect of reoperation on rectifying this distorted anatomy.

Results

The study included 27 boys who were re-operated after a previous complicated PSARP. Included cases were divided into two groups: group A (14 cases) was referred before colostomy closure with an obviously complicated primary operation, and group B (13 cases) was referred with delayed complications after colostomy closure.

Pelvic MRI examinations were performed before reoperation in 19 cases. In nine of these cases, a repeat MRI examination was performed at follow-up after reoperation to study the effect of redo surgery on rectifying the distorted anatomy.

Abnormal wide anorectal angle and wide pelvic hiatus were common anatomical derangements after a previously complicated PSARP. An important goal of reoperation was reconstruction of the levator ani behind the anorectum trying to create a more acute anorectal angle and a narrower pelvic hiatus. The success of this corrective step was evaluated by MRI comparing pre- and postoperative measurements that showed a favourable decrease in the values of anorectal angle and hiatal/PC ratio. Improvement of faecal continence was documented after reoperation in 8 out of 10 cases in group B.

Conclusion

A wide pelvic hiatus was a frequently encountered postsurgical complication after failed PSARP that has most probably resulted from poor reconstruction of the pelvic floor at time of the primary repair. Re-approximation of the split halves of levator ani in the midline behind the anorectum at reoperation can help to correct the distorted internal anatomy and improve bowel control in these cases.

Assessing the previously repaired patient with an anorectal malformation who is not doing well

In this review, the care of children with a previously repaired anorectal malformation is explored. We know that the surgical care of children with anorectal malformations is complex; however, despite an increased understanding of the congenital anomaly and significant technical advances in the operative repair, many of these children continue to have poor functional outcomes. In this article we focus on the common surgical complications, discuss typical presentations, consider appropriate investigations, and review the risks and benefits of revisional surgery in those patients that are 'not doing well' following their primary reconstruction.