Impact of Spinal Defects on Urinary and Sexual Outcome in Adults With Anorectal Malformations-A Cross-sectional Study

Sexual function and fertility of adult males with anorectal malformations or Hirschsprung disease

PURPOSE

The long-term impact of anorectal malformations (ARM) and Hirschsprung disease (HD) on sexual function is well recognized but understudied. This study evaluated self-reported sexual and fertility outcomes in adult males with ARM and HD.

METHODS

This was an IRB approved, prospective study of males in the Adult Colorectal Research Registry who completed surveys between October 2019 and March 2022. Electronic surveys were administered after consenting to being contacted for research. Patients completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire and provided information on fertility outcomes.

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients completed outcome questionnaires: 11 (16.9%) had HD and 54 (83.1%) had an ARM. Nineteen patients reported some degree of erectile dysfunction per IIEF criteria, a greater proportion of whom have ARM (p = 0.046). Twenty (30.7%) have reported having children; there were no differences in rates between HD and ARM patients. Most patients had not attempted to conceive, but eight patients, all of whom have ARM, have pursued fertility investigation or treatments.

CONCLUSION

More patients with ARM reported some degree of erectile dysfunction compared to those with HD. Additionally, some have required fertility treatments. Further investigation is warranted to ensure true low rates of sexual and fertility dysfunction in patients with HD.

Long-term Functional Urinary and Sexual Outcomes in Patients with Anorectal Malformations-A Systematic Review

Context

Long-term urinary and sexual outcomes after repair of anorectal malformations (ARMs) are currently affected by concomitant malformations of the urinary tract and genitalia, sacral anomalies, and the surgical approach. However, the overall prevalence of urinary and sexual dysfunction remains unclear.

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence of urinary and sexual dysfunction in patients aged >10 yr after repair of ARM in infancy.

Evidence acquisition

A systematic literature review was performed using the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Selected studies were reviewed according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) and Standards for the Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (STARD) criteria. We included studies reporting the prevalence of the following outcomes: urinary incontinence (UI), lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), neurogenic bladder dysfunction (NBD), sexual dysfunction (SD), erectile dysfunction (ED), ejaculatory dysfunction, and birth rate. We initially identified 588 studies, of which 17 were included for evidence synthesis.

Evidence synthesis

A probabilistic meta-analysis on each subgroup revealed the following combined prevalence estimates: UI 16% (95% confidence interval [CI] 7-27%), LUTS/NBD 36% (95% CI 13-62%), SD among women 50% (95% CI 34-66%), ED 12% (95% CI 7-18%), ejaculatory dysfunction 16% (95% CI 9-25%), and birth rate 20% (95% CI 7-38%). Subgroup analysis showed a higher prevalence of ED and ejaculatory dysfunction among patients with high ARM severity when compared to low ARM severity.

Conclusions

Among patients undergoing ARM repair, we found a high prevalence of long-term impairment of UI, ED, and SD. We stress the need for larger multicentre trials with more comparable populations to optimise treatment and follow-up regimens.

Patient summary

We reviewed long-term outcomes for patients with anorectal malformations who underwent surgery and found that both urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunctions are common for both males and females.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the anal sphincter and spine in patients with anorectal malformations after posterior sagittal anorectoplasty: a late follow-up cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

We aimed to assess the association of fecal incontinence to the anatomy of the anal sphincter complex and lower bony spinal anomalies as investigated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in adolescents and adults with anorectal malformations (ARM) after posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP).

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study in 20 patients with ARM after PSARP. Anatomy of the anorectum and spine were examined with MRI and functional outcome assessed with the Wexner incontinence score.

RESULTS

We included 20 patient (12 males) had a median age of 19.5 years (14-27). One patient was excluded leaving 19 patients for outcome analysis. Fecal incontinence was found in 12 out of 19 patients (63%). Interposed fat was present in 9 patients (47%). The presence (r = 0.597, p = 0.012) and thickness of interposed fat (r = 0.832, p = 0.005) between the anal sphincter complex and bowel were positively correlated to the Wexner fecal incontinence score. No correlation was found between lower bony spinal anomalies and fecal incontinence.

CONCLUSIONS

A positive correlation between interposed fat and higher Wexner fecal incontinence score was found indicating a more severe fecal incontinence but no other correlation between anatomy of the anal sphincter complex and neorectum to functional bowel outcome was observed.

Long-term urologic and gynecologic follow-up and the importance of collaboration for patients with anorectal malformations

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.