Laparoscopic Approach in Anorectal Malformations: How We Do It

Abstract

Laparoscopy has a major role in the treatment of anorectal malformations (ARM) since Georgeson et al. introduced the laparoscopic assisted anorectoplasty in 2000. The majority of ARM can be repaired through a posterior sagittal incision without the need to enter the abdomen. Some ARM types require an abdominal approach to detach the rectum from the urinary tract in males or the vagina in females. Those malformations benefit from laparoscopy. In this article, we aimed to highlight the technical aspects relevant to the current laparoscopic repair of ARM.

Keywords: ARM; anorectal malformation; cloaca; laparoscopic assisted anorectal pull-through; laparoscopy; minimally invasive; posterior sagittal anorectoplasty.