Lessons learned from lower urinary tract complications of anorectoplasty for imperforate anus with rectourethral/rectovesical fistula: Laparoscopy-assisted versus posterior sagittal approaches

Comparison of postoperative urinary complications in laparoscopic-assisted anorectoplasty versus posterior sagittal anorectoplasty for anorectal malformation with rectourethral fistula

BACKGROUND

Long-term urinary outcomes after anorectal malformation (ARM) repair are affected by surgical approach and sacral anomalies. This study aimed to compare laparoscopic-assisted anorectoplasty (LAARP) and posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) in terms of urinary complications.

METHODS

Between 2001 and 2022, 45 patients were treated with LAARP or PSARP. The rectourethral fistula and inflow angle between the fistula and rectum was confirmed by preoperative colonography. The incidence of urinary complications and treatment were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Four patients (14%) had remnant fistula and five patients (17%) had neurogenic bladder dysfunction in LAARP group, while three patients (18%) had urethral injury in PSARP group. All patients with remnant fistula were asymptomatic and followed without treatment. The incidence of remnant fistula improved between earlier decade and later decade. In all cases with urethral injury, suture repair was performed and no postoperative leakage was noted. All five patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction had spine abnormalities that required clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) and two were free from CIC finally.

CONCLUSIONS

It is important to check inflow angle preoperatively to prevent remnant fistula. For PSARP, meticulous dissection is required when separating fistula from urethra because they create common wall. The most contributing factor to neurogenic bladder is sacral anomalies. Preoperative evaluation and postoperative urinary drainage are important.

Embryology and anatomy of anorectal malformations

The etiology of anorectal malformations (ARM) is complicated because of the spectrum of anomalies seen clinically, many of which are isolated and seemingly unique. Recent studies suggest that ARMs result from abnormal cloacal membrane (CM) development that contributes to disrupt normal local muscle and nerve development. If CM maldevelopment is severe, the rectal pouch lies above the pelvic floor, resulting in asymmetric and/or deviated musculature, so a midline incision is likely to cause trauma or be detrimental. Autonomic nerve plexuses can be associated with a fistula tract in ARMs and are also at risk for damage during surgery and contribute to genitourinary complications. Understanding the anatomy and development of the perineum is crucial for treating the broad spectrum of anomalies associated with ARMs and may assist in predicting/managing other related morbidity.

Intraoperative visualization of urethra using illuminating catheter in laparoscopy-assisted anorectoplasty for imperforated anus-A novel and safe technique for preventing urethral injury

PURPOSE

In this study, we used a near-infrared ray catheter (NIRC) to visualize the urethral line. We herein report our intraoperative visualization technique of the urethra using an illuminating catheter in laparoscopy-assisted anorectoplasty (LAARP) for imperforated anus.

PATIENT AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

A 3.0-kg term male neonate with anorectal malformation was delivered. An invertogram revealed the type as intermediate. Transverse colostomy was performed at the left upper abdomen. A recto-bulbar urethral fistula (RBUF) was diagnosed via distal colostogram and voiding cystourethrogram. LAARP was planned at 6 months of age. We performed the operation with four trocars. A 45° 5-mm scope was used to clearly view the deep pelvic space. Before starting rectal dissection, a 6-Fr pig-tail-type NIRC was inserted through the external opening of the urethra to visualize the urethra during the laparoscopic procedure. The catheter tip was placed in the bladder, and excretion of urine was maintained through the NIRC during the procedures. While dissecting the deep pelvic space between the posterior wall of the urethra and anterior wall of the rectum, the exact line of the urethra was clearly confirmed by overlay images of the NIRC. The RBUF was dissected safely using this innovative image-guided technique. Anoplasty was performed between the rectal stump and perineal skin. The postoperative course was uneventful. Oral intake was started on postoperative day 1. Postoperative dynamic urography showed no complications.

CONCLUSION

An NIRC is useful for detecting the urethra during LAARP.