Neonatal posterior sagittal anorectoplasty for a subset of males with high anorectal malformations

AIM: To assess the results of primary posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) in male neonates with high anorectal malformations (ARM) who on invertogram showed well descended rectum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve full-term male neonates with high ARM over a period of one and half years were selected for primary PSARP based on the findings of invertogram. Primary PSARP was performed in all neonates with lower limit of rectal gas bubble at or below the ossified fifth sacral vertebra. The patients were followed-up for a period between three to four and half years. The clinical evaluation of fecal continence was performed using Pena's criteria for assessment of continence. RESULTS: All neonates underwent PSARP on second to fourth postnatal day. The fistula with urinary tract was found in 11 patients (seven had fistula to bulbar urethra and four to prostatic urethra). Rectal tapering was not required in any neonate. No patient had urinary problems after removal of catheter. Most of the neonates were discharged by ninth day. Postoperatively, two patients had superficial wound infection of anoplasty without any disruption or bowel retraction. Two patients had severe perianal excoriation. No patient had anorectal stenosis. Nine of twelve patients on follow-up had good voluntary bowel movements. Of the three patients who had grade I soiling two had recto-prostatic urethral fistula. No patient had constipation. All patients had good urinary stream. CONCLUSIONS: Repair of high ARM in male neonates with a well descended rectum is feasible without significant morbidity and good continence.