Single-incision laparoscopic-assisted anorectoplasty using conventional instruments for children with anorectal malformations and rectourethral or rectovesical fistula

BackgroundThis study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of single-incision laparoscopic-assisted anorectoplasty (SILAARP) for children with anorectal malformations (ARM) and rectourethral or rectovesical fistula.MethodsChildren with ARMs and rectourethral or rectovesical fistula who underwent SILAARP between May 2011 and December 2012 were reviewed. The operative time, early postoperative and follow-up results were analyzed.ResultsThirty-one patients (ARM with rectovesical vs. rectoprostatic fistula vs. rectobulbar fistula: 9/6/16) successfully underwent SILAARPs without conversions. Mean ages at operation were similar in 2 groups (ARM with rectovesical or rectoprostatic fistula vs. ARM with rectobulbar fistula: 4.94 months vs. 5.67 months, p = 0.46). Average operative time in ARM children with rectobulbar fistula was 1.94 hours, which did not differ from 1.78 hours in ARM children with rectovestical or rectoprostatic fistula (p = 0.39). All patients resumed feeding on postoperative day 1. The median follow-up period was 20 months. No injuries of vessels, urethral or vas deferens occurred in operations. No mortality or morbidities of wound infection, rectal retraction, recurrent fistula, urethral diverticulum, anal stenosis, or rectal prolapse was encountered.ConclusionsSILAARP is safe, feasible and effective for ARM with rectourethral or rectovesical fistula. One-stage SILAARP may offer a viable alternative treatment for ARM children with rectourethral or rectovesical fistula.