Congenital pouch colon revisited

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 associated with anorectal malformation: A rare anomaly of Asian Region - experience of Kurdish centre

BACKGROUND

Congenital pouch colon (CPC) is an unusual malformation associated with anorectal malformations (ARMs) that are seen especially in Asia. The aim of this study was to analyse our series of CPC associated with ARM in our centre and report our experience based on the rarity of pathology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective study conducted at the Department of Paediatric Surgery in North Iraq. We identified patients from a prospectively kept database, including all patients managed between 1997 and 2014.

RESULTS

In total, 17 patients (3 females and 14 males) were included; all had CPC and high ARM; male:female ratio was 5.6:1. Two females had colo-vestibular fistula, 1 had a colo-cloacal fistula, all males had imperforate anus with colovesical fistula. Pre-operative diagnosis of CPC was made in eight patients (47%). Four patients (23.5%) had an incomplete pouch colon (Type III and IV), and 13 (76%) had complete pouch colon (Type I and II). All patients were managed with staged surgery. Mortality rate was 17.6% (3/17).

CONCLUSIONS

CPC associated with ARM can be defined as 'Asian' complex malformation. Few cases are reported in Literature from Europe and USA. However, it is known that it is ever more frequent the collaboration between Asian and European surgeons (as in our study), so the suspicion should be considered in all patient high ARM who come from Asian region. We reviewed literature and report our experience of 15 years, after a retrospectively analysis, to share it and add our data to their reported.

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.

Congenital pouch colon in girls: Genitourinary abnormalities and their management

Aims:

To discuss the assessment and management of genitourinary (GU) tract abnormalities in 21 girls with Types I-III congenital pouch colon (CPC), studied over a period of 10 years.

Materials and Methods:

Assessment included clinical and radiological assessment, examination under anesthesia (EUA), endoscopy of the lower GU tract, and evaluation of the surgical findings, operative procedures for the GU anomalies, and the results of management.

Results:

Initial examination of the external genitalia showed a “clover-leaf” appearance (n = 6) and a single perineal opening (n = 6). In 9 patients, the openings of the urethra and double vagina were seen, of which a vestibular fistula was seen in 5 and an anterior perineal fistula in 1. Seventeen patients (81%) had urinary incontinence (UI) - partial in 10, and complete in 7. Renal function tests, X-ray sacrum, and abdominal US were normal in all patients. Micturating cystourethrogram (n = 9) showed a wide, bladder neck incompetence (BNI) with reduced bladder capacity in seven patients. EUA and endoscopy revealed a septate vagina in all patients and the urethral opening at a “high” position (n = 14) or at a relatively normal or “low” position (n = 7). In 8 patients, the intervaginal septum was thick and fleshy. Endoscopy showed a short, wide urethra, an open incompetent bladder neck, poorly developed trigone, and reduced bladder capacity in the patients with UI. The fistula from the colonic pouch opened in the proximal urethra (n = 4), high in the vestibule (n = 3), low in the vestibule (n = 8), perineum just posterior to the vestibule (n = 1), and undetermined (n = 5). Vaginoscopy (n = 8) showed normal cervices in all and cervical mucus in 4 patients. The subtypes of CPC were Type I CPC (n = 4), Type II CPC (n = 16), and Type III CPC (n = 1). All 21 patients had uterus didelphys. In four patients with UI, during tubular colorraphy, a segment of the colonic pouch was preserved for later bladder augmentation if required. A Young-Dees bladder-neck repair (BNR) was performed in four older girls for treatment of UI, with marked improvement in urinary continence in two girls, some improvement in one girl with complete urinary incontinence, and minimal improvement in one child. Division of the intervaginal septum was performed in three girls.

Conclusions:

GU abnormalities in girls with CPC need to be assessed and managed by a tailored protocol. UI is frequent, and its correction may require BNR. A segment of the colonic pouch can be preserved for possible future bladder augmentation. All girls have a septate vagina, often widely separated, and uterus didelphys. Gynecologic assessment and monitoring is required throughout adult life. Considering the wide opening of the vestibule, surgical management of the urogenital component by division of the intervaginal septum and if required, the vagino-fistula septum on each side results in a normal or a hypospadiac urethral opening and an adequate vaginal inlet.

Congenital pouch colon in a girl associated with bilateral atresia of cervix uteri and uterus didelphys

This report describes a girl with congenital pouch colon (CPC), uterus didelphys with septate vagina, and a cloacal anomaly. The girl underwent cloacal reconstruction at the age of 15 months. Subsequently, at puberty, the child had primary amenorrhea with severe cyclic abdominal pain due to endometriosis of both the uteruses and adnexal cysts with hematometra and hematosalpinx. Laparotomy with removal of both uteri and the left fallopian tube was performed. Both uteri had atresia of the cervix uteri. This report emphasizes the need for comprehensive evaluation and a long-term management strategy for associated gynecologic anomalies in girls with CPC, especially with regard to patency of the outflow tract.

The anomalous clinical anatomy of congenital pouch colon in girls

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anomalous clinical anatomy of congenital pouch colon (CPC) associated with anorectal agenesis in 22 consecutive girls managed over a study period of 7 years.

METHODS

The 22 patients were categorized into 2 groups. Group A consisted of 10 patients who presented during the neonatal period (n = 9) or as a young infant (n = 1). In these patients, only preliminary assessment results were available. Group B (12 patients) comprised 5 newborns who remained on follow-up and 7 patients who presented after the age of 1 year. These 12 patients were assessed and investigated in more detail.

RESULTS

In group A patients, apart from absence of the normal anal opening, the appearance of the external genitalia and perineum was essentially normal. Retraction of the labial folds showed radiation of folds inward from the margins of the vulval vestibule toward the center, at a point of confluence located at a higher level. At laparotomy, the subtypes of CPC were type I (n = 4), type II (n = 5), and type III (n = 1). In 8 patients, uterus didelphys was present. In all group B patients, the appearance of the external genitalia was similar to that in group A patients. However, separate openings of the urethra, septate vagina, and vestibular fistula (if present) were visible in 5 patients, whereas in 3 patients, a single perineal opening was identified. A total of 9/12 patients (75%) had urinary incontinence. Examination under anesthesia and endoscopy revealed a septate vagina in all 12 patients and an open, incompetent bladder neck with reduced bladder capacity in the 9 patients with urinary incontinence. The terminal fistula of the colonic pouch opened just distal to the bladder neck (n = 1), just posterior and cephalad to the urethral opening (n = 2), low in the vestibule (n = 5), and undetermined (n = 4). The subtypes of CPC were type I CPC (n = 2), type II CPC (n = 9), and type III CPC (n = 1). All 12 patients had uterus didelphys.

CONCLUSIONS

The characteristics in the anomalous clinical anatomy of CPC in girls, as described here, appear to be almost invariable and, especially in regions where CPC is common, should alert the clinician to the presence of this malformation.

Congenital pouch colon and segmental dilatation of the colon: A report of two unusual cases

This report describes two unusual cases of anorectal malformation. The first had a type III congenital pouch colon with a colovesical fistula. In the other very similar case, segmental dilatation of the colon was present along with penoscrotal hypospadias and, distally, a length of normal colon ending in a rectourethral fistula. In both patients, the appendix was short, stubby and a Y-shaped duplication of the normal colon was present just proximal to the dilated segment of colon.

Congenital pouch colon: an unusual histological finding

Congenital pouch colon (CPC) is an unusual abnormality in which the colon ends in a pouch-like dilatation and there is generally an associated anorectal malformation. The condition varies from complete absence of normal colon to a nearly normal length of proximal colon with only recto-sigmoid involvement. There is a paucity of data on histological findings in cases of pouch colon. Resected specimens of five cases of CPC were taken. Microscopic sections were stained for H&E and Masson's trichrome stains. We present here an interesting histological finding, namely an unusual muscle layer, inner to the circular muscle layer, in five cases of complete or almost complete CPC and discuss the clinical significance of this finding.

Congenital pouch colon associated with anorectal malformation-histopathologic evaluation

BACKGROUND

Although enough literature is available on the descriptive and the management aspects of congenital pouch colon (CPC) associated with anorectal malformation (ARM), there is paucity of its detailed histopathologic studies. The present article details the histopathologic observations in the excised specimens of CPC in the neonates operated on for ARM.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Formalin-fixed specimens of CPC were evaluated both grossly and microscopically. They were stained by H&E stain and Masson trichrome stain.

RESULTS

Haustrations and tenia coli were uniformly absent in all the CPC specimens. Mucosa showed focal erosion, hemorrhage, and disruption in the muscularis mucosae. Submucosa showed congested blood vessels, hemorrhage, and thrombosis. Both the circular and the longitudinal muscle layers showed hypertrophic and atrophic appearance. Both the muscle layers also showed disruption. There was presence of fibrosis in all the muscular layers on Masson trichrome stain. There was presence of unique constriction bands in the muscularis propria. These were seen as focal dipping and narrowing of the muscular layers at intermittent intervals. They were more prominent in the circular muscle layers.

CONCLUSION

Congenital pouch colon seen in association with ARM is an abnormally developed tissue and needs to be resected for better functional outcome of the remaining gut. However, further physiologic and immunohistochemical studies are warranted to observe the contractile and innervation pattern of CPC.

Congenital pouch colon syndrome: a report of 17 cases

BACKGROUND

Congenital pouch syndrome (CPC) is a rare condition seen in association with anorectal malformation that occurs almost exclusively in northern India. We reviewed cases seen in our institution to study aspects of clinical presentation, diagnosis, embryogenesis and management and raise awareness of this relatively infrequent entity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From March 2002 to September 2004, 17 neonates/infants (11 males and 6 females) treated for CPC associated with anorectal malformations included 13 with type IV and 4 with type I CPC. Diagnosis was made by a single large air-fluid level on the infantogram occupying more than 50% of the entire abdominal dimension.

RESULTS

In all patients, the pouch had fistulous communication with the genitourinary system, and there were other associated anomalies as well. Of 13 patients with pouch colon type IV, 11 neonates underwent laparotomy, ligation of the fistula, excision of the colonic pouch and end colostomy as a stage 1 procedure. Subsequently, these patients underwent definitive surgery, i.e. abdominoperineal posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (AP-PSARP), with or without covering colostomy. Two of 4 patients with type 1 CPC underwent laparotomy, ligation of the fistula and colorrhaphy as a first-stage operation before AP-PSARP. In our series, 4 patients were diagnosed intraoperatively and were treated in accordance with their operative findings. Post-operatively, there were no major complications except wound infection in some patients. There was one death that was not related to surgery.

CONCLUSION

There are variants of the anomaly, but the possibility of CPC needs to be kept in mind as a possible association with anorectal malformations.

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

PURPOSE

In this study, functional results with regard to fecal continence levels and other parameters were studied in 22 patients with congenital pouch colon associated with anorectal agenesis (CPC) more than 3 years old who had undergone definitive pull-through surgery 1 to 13 years earlier. An attempt was made to formulate treatment protocols for management of fecal incontinence and other problems associated with CPC.

METHODS

The study sample consisted of 14 males and 8 females. Three of the 8 female patients had had a cloacal malformation. The medical records of the patients were scrutinized and they were classified into 4 subtypes based on the length of normal colon proximal to the colonic pouch. The patients were further categorized into 3 groups based on the terminal bowel that had been pulled-through, namely, the ileum or colon proximal to the colonic pouch or a tubularized segment of the colonic pouch. The somatic growth of the patients was studied. Clinical assessment of fecal continence was performed by the Kelly and the Kiesewetter and Chang scoring systems. A computed tomographic scan of the pelvis with a barium enema was performed to assess the terminal bowel and its placement as well as the bony and muscular anatomy of the pelvis. The urinary system was assessed by a clinical history as well as by abdominal ultrasound and a micturating cystourethrogram. Various treatment modalities including dietary modifications, drugs, and enemas were instituted in patients with poor continence levels, and the response to treatment studied.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients (59.2%), all with an ileal pull-through, had height and weight less than 50% of that expected for their ages. Overall fecal continence was "poor" in 17 patients and "fair" in only 5 patients. Patients with pull-through of either ileum or normal colon often had very frequent passage of liquid or semisolid stools, whereas the 4 patients with pull-through of tubularized colon had infrequent passage of semisolid stools with abdominal distension and bloating. One of these 4 patients had massive colonic redilatation necessitating surgical correction. Mucosal prolapse and perineal excoriations were frequent findings. Ultrasonography and micturating cystourethrogram showed hydroureteronephrosis and vesicoureteric reflux in 5 patients. Radiologic assessment revealed that there were no significant sacral abnormalities and the striated sphincteric musculature was well developed, although the levator ani was thinner than normal in 15 patients (68%). The bowel was very well placed in the sphincteric complex in 19 patients (86%). In 7 of the 13 patients who had pull-through of normal ileum or colon, some improvement in continence levels was seen 3 to 6 months after institution of dietary measures, loperamide, and saline-water enemas. Two of 3 patients with pull-through of tubularized colon improved to some extent with colonic washouts alone. Overall, quality of life was poor in the 22 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the fact that the sacrum is usually normal, the sphincteric musculature well developed, and the terminal bowel well placed without any anal strictures, long-term prognosis with regard to fecal continence, growth and development, and quality of life appears to be dismal for all subtypes of CPC, irrespective of the type of definitive surgery performed. Corrective measures also appear to be of limited value. Various newer management modalities for management of fecal incontinence may be considered, but in several patients a permanent abdominal stoma may be a more practical solution.

The congenital pouch colon can be used for vaginal reconstruction by longitudinal splitting

Congenital pouch colon (CPC) is a rare malformation in which the distal part of a shortened colon forms a dilated pouch. It is associated with an anorectal malformation. We report 2 patients with CPC, one with a cloaca and one with vestibular fistula and vaginal atresia. It is the first description of CPC, vestibular fistula, and vaginal atresia. The purpose of this report was to demonstrate that the pouch can be split longitudinally--in analogy with Bianchi's intestinal lengthening procedure [Bianchi A. Intestinal loop lengthening: a technique for increasing small intestinal length. J Pediatr Surg 1980;15:145-51]--to create a vagina and to reconstruct the anorectum with preserved blood supply.

Congenital pouch colon associated with anorectal agenesis

This article presents a review of the history and development of the various types of congenital pouch colon. Also described are the criteria for diagnosis, the treatment modalities and the results of follow-up studies to emphasize the post-operative problems. The problem of pre-operative and post-operative fecal incontinence is dealt with in more detail.

Congenital pouch colon: Massive redilatation of the tubularized colonic pouch after pull-through surgery

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Children with a type I/II congenital pouch colon (CPC) malformation associated with imperforate anus usually are treated by subtotal excision of the colonic pouch, tubularization of the remaining portion, and pull-through of the tubularized colon during definitive surgery. The authors report 3 patients treated in this fashion who presented 2 to 10(1/2) years later with massive redilatation of the previously tubularized colon and enterocolitis

METHODS

There were no anal strictures or malpositioning of the pulled through bowel. Contrast enema showed massive redilatation of the colonic pouch. Near-total excision of the redilated pouch with anastomosis of normal proximal ileum/colon with the retained distal portion of the pouch was performed by the abdominal approach.

RESULTS

Anastomotic leaks occurred in 2 patients but were treated successfully. Postoperatively, the patients had relief from their abdominal symptoms and improvement in fecal continence.

CONCLUSIONS

The colonic pouch in CPC has a marked tendency to undergo redilatation, even after tubularization. The surgical procedure described here for the treatment of these patients appears to be satisfactory.

Congenital pouch colon associated with segmental dilatation of the colon

A 1-day-old boy who presented with an anorectal malformation (ARM) was found to have a segmental dilatation of the colon (SDC) associated with a typical congenital pouch colon (CPC) malformation. The distal colonic pouch terminated in a high colovesical fistula. The posterior portion of the perineal raphé was duplicated and ended in 2 anal dimples. Both dilated segments of the colon were excised. The similarity between CPC and SDC is highlighted, and the possible embryogenesis of both conditions is discussed.