Anorectal anomaly with rectovestibular fistula: a historical comparison of neonatal anterior sagittal anorectoplasty without covering colostomy and postoperative anal dilatation to the classical three-stage posterior sagittal anorectoplasty

Abstract

Background: Traditional three-stage posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) is a widely used operational technique for rectovestibular fistula (RVF) which includes creation of stoma, definitive surgery, and subsequent closure of stoma. Three-stage PSARP is usually completed during infancy. Many pediatric surgeons across the world have embarked on anterior sagittal anorectoplasty (ASARP) as an alternative technique to reduce pelvic floor dissection and the need to operate with patients in the prone position. ASARP is performed with the patient lying in supine position and it can be performed as one-stage repair during the neonatal period. Early reports from many centers are showing promising results. An outcome comparison of both techniques is vital to help surgeons consider this new approach in the repair of RVF. Patients and methods: This is a retrospective historical comparison study. Nine neonates with RVF underwent primary ASARP without postoperative anal dilatation and were compared to 25 patients with RVF who underwent three-stage PSARP with postoperative anal dilatation. Immediate surgical outcome was reviewed from the records and follow-up sheets of individual patients and functional outcome was assessed by interviewing the parents. Results were compared statistically; P-value