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Functional disturbances in children after ano-rectal surgery
A E Archibong1, R Ndoma-Egba, M S Umoh
1Paediatric Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
East African Medical Journal
|July 14, 2004
Summary
Pediatric patients with ano-rectal surgery complications often present late with fecal soiling. Conservative management and surgical repair can lead to improved outcomes in children with these challenging conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Clinical Outcomes
Background:
- Ano-rectal complications following surgery in children can significantly impact quality of life.
- Late presentation is common due to societal embarrassment and parental underestimation of severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence, clinical presentation, and management outcomes of pediatric ano-rectal complications.
- To highlight effective treatment modalities for children with post-operative ano-rectal issues.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study conducted over seven years at a tertiary teaching hospital.
- Inclusion of all pediatric cases presenting with complications from previous ano-rectal surgery.
- Conservative management (diet, enema, physiotherapy) and surgical repair were employed.
Main Results:
- Majority of complications stemmed from anal agenesis (54%) and aganglionic megacolon (46%) operations.
- Fecal soiling and poor bowel habits were the primary complaints, with late presentation noted.
- A significant majority (45/82) achieved satisfactory clinical status post-treatment, with 27 others showing improvement.
Conclusions:
- Management requires perseverance from surgeons, parents, and patients.
- Late presentation may correlate with improved sphincter development and psychological awareness in children.
- Effective management strategies can lead to positive clinical outcomes for pediatric ano-rectal complications.