One-stage correction of intermediate imperforate anus in males

This prospective study was designed to assess the safety, cost-effectiveness, and advantages of performing posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) without colostomy on males with intermediate imperforate anus in a developing country. Fifteen consecutive males with intermediate imperforate anus were entered into the study. Chest and abdominal x-rays, skeletal surveys, renal ultrasound scans, and invertograms were done. Patients were resuscitated and Pena's PSARP done in prone positions. A 2-ml syringe vent was inserted into the new anus for 10 days. Babies were nursed prone postoperatively. Cephalosporin and metronidazole were given as perioperative antibiotics. All patients had intermediate anomalies. There were no other major associated congenital anomalies. A urethral catheter could not be inserted in one patient, and one patient who presented with septicemia and jaundice was deemed too ill to withstand a major operation; these two patients therefore had diverting colostomies. There were no problems with PSARP in the other 13 patients. One patient's father discharged him against medical advice on the 5th postoperative day; the mother had had postpartum hemorrhage, so they opted for traditional treatment because they could not provide blood donors. The skin wounds of 10 patients healed completely with removal of stitches; two boys had superficial wound infection. Parents who lived far from the hospital were taught how to dilate the anus. Follow-up has ranged between 3 months and 2 years. This prospective study shows that it is feasible for males with intermediate imperforate anus to have safe PSARP without colostomy. The advantages of one instead of three major operations are many, especially in developing countries. If this result can be reproduced in cases of high anomalies, colostomy may be unnecessary in many cases of anorectal malformations, with many benefits to these children and their families.