Suboptimal correction of low anorectal anomalies: a possible cause for intractable constipation in children

Anorectal anomalies in the female: Highlights on surgical management

BACKGROUND

Anorectal anomalies (ARA) are characterized by different clinical presentations in both sexes with consequently different management protocols. There exist several controversies and different strategies to manage ARA in the female.

PURPOSE

To present our experience in managing girls with ARA highlighting the rationale behind the chosen protocol.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 121 girls with ARA who underwent sagittal anorectoplasty during the period 2009 through 2019. Their age ranged from 3 to 57 months (median = 7 months). There were 68 cases with rectoperineal fistula, 51 with rectovestibular fistula, 1 case with rectovaginal fistula and another case without fistula. Preoperative colostomy was performed in only 5 cases (3 rectovestibular; 1 rectovaginal; 1 without fistula). The rest of cases underwent delayed primary sagittal anorectoplasty (beyond the neonatal period).

RESULTS

Postoperative wound complications were detected in 14 cases (11.7%). In general, wound complications were more common among the rectoperineal group. Delayed healing problems in the form of mucosal prolapse/ectropion were detected in 10 cases. Thirty-four cases were available for delayed functional assessment. Voluntary bowel control was present in 91% of cases. Constipation was detected in 7 cases (20%) at follow up. Fecal soiling was present in 6 cases (17.6%); 3 of them were associated with constipation.

CONCLUSION

Delayed primary repair of rectoperineal and rectovestibular fistula is feasible with low complications. By adopting this protocol of management, we could achieve comparable results while avoiding unnecessary operations during the neonatal period.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

This is a case series (Level IV Evidence).

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.

Role of sagittal anorectoplasty in treating constipation in patients with recto-perineal fistula

Background

Recto-perineal fistula is a common anorectal anomaly, affecting both males and females. The anus is abnormally anteriorly located and is usually stenotic. Management of recto-perineal fistula is a dialectic problem. The most common presenting complaint is constipation; also, long-term follow-up of these patients revealed high incidence of postoperative constipation.

Results

The study included 30 patients (19 female and 11 male). Their age at time of repair ranged from 3 to 78 months. We compared the pre- and postoperative constipation rate after limited posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) using Krickenbeck score. Overall, the rate of constipation has dropped from 77 (23/30) to 30% (9/30) after surgery. Fourteen patients out of 23 patients with preoperative constipation were cured. Another patient with preoperative constipation improved regarding the grade of constipation. The remaining 8 patients with preoperative constipation did not show improvement after operation. These results were statistically significant (McNemar test). Out of the 9 patients who were still constipated after surgery, 7 had associated fecal soiling that showed good response with bowel management of constipation.

Conclusion

Limited posterior sagittal anorectoplasty can have a role in treating constipation among cases of recto-perineal fistula.

Anatomical alterations following the 'PSARP' procedure: Correlating MRI findings with continence scores

PURPOSE

To identify anatomical aberrations following PSARP procedure by using MRI, while correlating MRI findings to clinical outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2014 and December 2017, we conducted our study on male patients with rectourethral fistula who underwent PSARP. Postoperative pelvic MRI studies were performed and correlated to their clinical continence scores (Rintala, and Krickenbeck classification).

RESULTS

The study included 31 patients. Fourteen patients were retrieved from the hospital records and accepted to participate in the study; while the remaining 17 were collected from the fecal incontinence clinic. Their age ranged from 40 to 156 months (mean 83) We divided patients in the study into two groups according to their Rintala continence scores: (Group A) 15 patients with low scores (10 or less); and (Group B) 16 patients with higher scores (more than 10). We detected wider pelvic hiatus (hiatus/PC ratio) and more obtuse anorectal angle in group A than B.

CONCLUSION

Several anatomical alterations can be detected by MRI following the PSARP procedure that include abnormalities in the striated muscle sphincter (attenuation/deficiency), deviated neorectum, and presence of excessive perirectal fat. A widened pelvic hiatus and/or obtuse anorectal angle may correlate with poor fecal continence in these patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

This is a case control study (level III evidence).

The Currarino triad: What pediatric surgeons need to know

PURPOSE

We report our experience in managing a group of patients with Currarino syndrome, highlighting diagnostic challenges, surgical techniques, in addition to a review of current neurosurgical options.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included patients with Currarino syndrome who presented to our pediatric surgery department during the period 2010 through 2016. The 'sacral scimitar' in plain X-ray provided the clue for the diagnosis; while MRI examination was essential to define the nature of the presacral mass and associated spinal anomalies.

RESULTS

The study included 17 patients (13 girls and 4 boys). Their age at presentation ranged from 7months to 10years. We used posterior sagittal approach to correct anorectal anomalies, and excise presacral cysts that were subjected to histopathological examination. Two cases presented with a pelvic abscess (infected presacral dermoid cyst), which were initially drained followed by excision. The presacral mass consisted of either lipomyelocele (6), lipomyelomeningocele (3), or a developmental (dermoid) cyst (8). Tethering of the spinal cord was a common association (70%) CONCLUSION: Apart from diagnostic challenges, the management of Currarino syndrome is similar to the usual management of ARM regarding the surgical approach and probably the prognosis that mainly depends on degree of associated sacral dysplasia.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

This is a case series with no comparison group (level IV).