Analysis of postoperative complications in children treated for moderate to severe anal atresia with laparoscopic versus open surgery: A retrospective study

This study aimed to compare and analyze the postoperative complications and anal function after 3-stage laparoscopic-assisted anorectoplasty (LAARP) and conventional posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) in the treatment of moderate to severe anal atresia in children. A total of 27 children with moderate to severe anal atresia who underwent conventional PSARP at the Dongguan Children Hospital between 2007 and 2011 were included in the control group, and 34 children with moderate to severe anal atresia who underwent 3-stage LAARP between 2012 and 2016 were included in the observation group. The incidence of postoperative complications and Kelly score of anal function in the 2 groups were statistically analyzed and the efficacy of the 2 procedures compared. The incidence of postoperative complications such as wound infection, anal stenosis, anastomotic leakage, fecal incontinence, and constipation in the LAARP group was lower as compared with the PSARP group, and there was a statistically significant difference (P < .05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications such as rectal prolapse, diarrhea, and recurrent fistula between the LAARP group and the PSARP group (P > .05). The Kelly score of anal function was higher in the LAARP group than in the PSARP group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < .05). Compared to conventional PSARP, laparoscopic surgery for moderate to severe anal atresia in children has less complications, improved anal function, and a clear therapeutic impact.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Anorectoplasty for Anorectal Malformation With Recto-Prostatic Urethral Fistula: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Congenital recto-urethral fistula is the most common form of anorectal malformation found in boys. The final repair includes the ligation of the fistula and the anorectoplasty, and can be achieved either way: posterior sagitally or laparoscopically. We present a case of a term male infant diagnosed with anorectal malformation and recto-prostatic urethral fistula, that underwent a laparoscopic-assisted posterior sagittal anorectoplasty in our department.

[Long-term results of surgical correction of H-type fistula in girls with a normal anus]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long-term results of surgical correction of H-type fistula in girls with a normal anus.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There were 7 patients with rectovestibular fistula and 3 patients with rectovaginal fistula with a normal anus were observed from 2014 to 2019 in the Surgical Department No. 1 of the Russian Children's Clinical Hospital. Upon admission, all patients underwent genital examination, vaginoscopy, rectal examination and probing the fistulous canal, irrigography, abdominal and retroperitoneal ultrasound. They were also examined by a gynecologist and genital smears were obtained. Surgical treatment was determined depending on the height and diameter of the fistula for each child. One patient underwent perineal fistulectomy, three patients - anterior anorectoplasty. Invaginated fistula extirpation, abdominoperineal proctoplasty and perineal fistulectomy using a pad flap between the defects were used in two cases, respectively. Patients were followed-up for the period from 6 months to 1 year after the last recurrence. Follow-up examination, irrigography and functional examination of sphincter were performed.

RESULTS

Two (20%) patients did not require redo surgery. In 6 (60%) cases, recurrences didn't occur within a year after the second surgery, in 2 (20%) cases - after 3 operations. Recurrent H-type fistula appeared after 3 of 4 perineal fistulectomy procedures, 3 of 9 anterior anorectoplasty, 2 of 2 abdominoperineal proctoplasty and 2 of 3 invaginated fistula extirpation. Hypotension of internal anal sphincter and neo-rectal ampulla, recurrent vulvovaginitis were diagnosed in 2 patients in 6 months after anterior anorectoplasty.

CONCLUSION

We recommend anterior anorectoplasty and perineal fistulectomy using a pad flap between the defects for the treatment of H-type fistula to minimize the risk of recurrence.

Image of the Month: How to Select the Ideal Surgical Approach in Male Anorectal Malformation with No Visible Fistula

We present a case of a 6-month-old male infant with an anorectal malformation (ARM) who underwent colostomy as a newborn, and now presents for definitive repair. A colostogram is shown to identify the malformation and to help plan for the ideal surgical approach. The case is presented with a focus on surgical strategies for management of ARM in the male infant, with questions for the readers posed in a quiz format.

Two-Staged Versus Three-Staged Laparoscopic Anorectoplasty for Patients with Rectoprostatic and Bladder Neck Fistulas: A Comparative Study

Purpose: To compare the results of two- versus three-staged laparoscopic anorectoplasty (LARP) in children with rectoprostatic and bladder neck fistulas. Materials and Methods: The present study was retrospectively initiated among 32 consecutive patients who underwent two-staged LARP from October 2010 to December 2012. The associated defects, age at the operation, operative time, complications, length of the postoperative hospital stay, total hospitalization cost, and functional results (according to the Krickenbeck scoring system) were evaluated. The results were compared with those of 19 cases who underwent three-staged LARP from October 2008 to September 2010. Results: The average age at the second operation was 4.5 ± 1.2 months in the two-staged group, and 4.2 ± 1.3 months in the three-staged group. In the two-staged group, there were statistically shorter overall operative time and postoperative hospital stay duration. Also, a significantly lower total hospitalization cost was achieved. There was no anastomotic leak in either group. The rates of perineal wound infection, recurrent fistula, and rectal prolapse were 3.85% versus 0% (P = 1.000), 0% versus 5.3% (P = .422), and 11.5% versus 15.8% (P = .686), respectively (two-staged versus three-staged group). The median follow-up time was 67 (range, 54-80) months and 88 (range, 81-104) months, respectively. No significant difference in functional outcome was observed. Conclusions: Two-staged LARP is feasible, safe, and more cost-effective, with comparable incidences of complications and functional outcomes with respect to a three-staged procedure.