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. 2022 Mar-Apr;27(2):216-222.
doi: 10.4103/jiaps.JIAPS_376_20. Epub 2022 Mar 1.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Modified Posterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty for Rectobulbar Urethral Fistula of Anorectal Malformation: A Prospective Study

Vikesh Agrawal  1 , Saurabh Gupta  2 , Nguyễn Thanh Liêm  3 , Himanshu Acharya  4 , Dhananjaya Sharma  5
Affiliations

Laparoscopic-Assisted Modified Posterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty for Rectobulbar Urethral Fistula of Anorectal Malformation: A Prospective Study

Vikesh Agrawal et al. J Indian Assoc Pediatr Surg. 2022 Mar-Apr.

Abstract

Introduction: Laparoscopic anorectoplasty (LAARP) is useful for the management of rectoprostatic urethral fistula (RPUF), due to easier rectal mobilization, avoidance of posterior sagittal muscular incision, and shorter hospital stay. However, its role in rectobulbar urethral fistula (RBUF) is still debated as there is a chance of urethral diverticulum (UD), due to incomplete dissection. Laparoscopy-assisted modified posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (LAMPSARP) utilizes advantages of LAARP combined with fistula dissection using small sagittal incision preserving puborectalis. The present study compares the results of LAMPSARP with LAARP for correction of RBUF associated with anorectal malformations (ARMs).

Materials and methods: All male ARM with RBUF presenting in a tertiary center in Central India (January 2014-January 2016) were included. Low male ARM, RPUF, rectovesical fistula, and congenital pouch colon were excluded. They were randomized into LAARP and LAMPSARP groups. Complications were assessed in terms of anal stenosis, mucosal prolapse, and UD. Kelly's scoring and Krickenbeck scoring were used to assess continence, and visible anal cosmesis scale (VACS) was used to assess wanal cosmesis. Results were statistically analyzed using a comparison of means and 2 × 2 contingency tables.

Results: Fifty-six colostomized patients with RBUF (26 LAARP, 30 LAMPSARP) were included. Mean operative duration in the LAARP group and LAMPSARP group was 42 ± 10 min and 56 ± 12 min, respectively (P < 0.0001). On mean follow-up of 4.5 years, mucosal prolapse (53.9%) and UD (15.38%) were significantly higher in LAARP group, while anal stenosis was similar. All three, Kelly's score, Krickenbeck score, and VACS, were better (P < 0.05) in the LAMPSARP group.

Conclusion: Laparoscopy-assisted modified posterior sagittal approach is better for RBUF and offers better surgical outcome.

Keywords: Anorectal malformation; laparoscopy; rectobulbar urethral fistula.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(a-c) Schematic diagram explaining laparoscopic-assisted modified posterior sagittal anorectal pull-through
Figure 2
Figure 2
Creation of tunnel underneath puborectalis without division (skin between proposed anus and modified posterior sagittal incision has been divided in this image for demonstration purpose)
Figure 3
Figure 3
CONSORT diagram showing the distribution of included cases in the study
Figure 4
Figure 4
Contrast-enhanced computed tomography study showing urethral diverticulum after laparoscopic anorectoplasty in rectobulbar urethral fistula (a – Coronal, b – Transverse)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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