Laparoscopic-assisted Anorectoplasty: A Single-center Experience

AIM: To assess the modifications in the technique of laparoscopic-assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP) practiced at our institute and to analyze the postoperative outcome and associated complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was done to analyze the results for LAARP procedure done for high anorectal malformations (ARMs) from January 2001 to May 2016. A total of 68 patients had undergone LAARP, with 62 male and 6 female children. Staged procedure was done in 55 patients and one child with rectovestibular fistula of 5 months of age had a single-stage procedure. Technical modifications such as traction over the fistula which helps in identification and dissection of the puborectalis muscle, dividing the fistula without ligation, railroading with Hegar's dilators over the suction cannula which creates adequate pull-through channel, have helped save time and make the procedure simpler. The patients were followed up with clinical evaluation and continence scoring. RESULTS: All the patients withstood surgery well. One patient with rectovesical fistula required conversion to gain adequate length of the distal rectum, for whom the colostomy was closed and relocated at splenic flexure level. The complications were mucosal prolapse (8 cases), anal stenosis (5), adhesive obstruction (2), distal rectal necrosis (3), and urethral diverticulum (2). The progress has been satisfactory and weight gain is adequate. 71.15% patients had good continence on follow-up. CONCLUSION: LAARP procedure is safe for high ARMs with good continence and correctable side effects. It has completely replaced posterior sagittal anorectoplasty procedure for high anomalies in our practice.