[Neurovesical dysfunction in children with anorectal malformations]

Chronic renal failure remain the most significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with anorectal malformation. The urological anomalies associated with anorectal malformations are not only anatomical, but also functional, the latter being related to congenital neurovesical dysfunction. The neurovesical dysfunction found in children with anorectal malformations results from a possible association with spinal dysraphism. The authors carried out urodynamic evaluation on 6 patients operated on for anorectal malformation by posterior sagittal anorectoplasty. 3 children had normal bladder function, but 3 had neurovesical dysfunction (1 unstable bladder, 2 neuropathic bladder). It is concluded that in patients with anorectal malformations urodynamic investigations should be performed as a routine investigation of the urinary tract. Consequently, patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction should receive prompt treatment, including clean intermittent catheterization, to prevent or reduce secondary urologic morbidity, especially loss of renal function.