Primary Posterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty Outcomes for Rectovestibular and Perineal Fistulas Using an Accelerated Pathway: a Single Institution Study

Abstract

Background: Posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) is the most common surgical treatment for patients with anorectal malformations. Such patients are often subjected to prolonged nil per os (NPO), antibiotic use, and use of parenteral nutrition. Our aim was to review our institutional experience with patients undergoing PSARP using an accelerated standardized postoperative pathway.

Methods: Our hospital database was queried from 2004 to 2016 for patients diagnosed with imperforate anus who underwent a surgical procedure. Short term outcomes, hospital length of stay (LOS), and cost were evaluated.

Results: Sixty-three patients were identified during the study period. Of these patients, 34 (54.0%) had a fistula to the urogenital tract or had no demonstrable fistula and one cloaca and 29 (46.0%) had a fistula in the perineum. Approximately half of patients underwent primary PSARP, including 8 patients with fistulas located in the vestibule and vagina in girls and two with no apparent fistulas (12.7% of total cohort). Only two postoperative complications occurred: one superficial surgical site infection and one perineal wound dehiscence. Among the whole cohort, median LOS was 3 days. Median time to PO intake was 2 days, and median cost was $11,532. No complications occurred among the subset of 8 patients undergoing primary PSARP.

Conclusion: Patients undergoing PSARP experienced similar outcomes compared to historical series, suggesting that the accelerated pathway for early refeeding and reduced use of antibiotics may be beneficial in appropriately selected patients.

Type of study: Case series with no comparison group Level of evidence Level IV.

Keywords: Posterior sagittal anorectoplasty; Primary PSARP.