Management and outcome of low anorectal malformations

Low anorectal malformation comprises about half of all anorectal anomalies. Most of the literature concerning management of anorectal anomalies is centred around the treatment and outcome of high anomalies. The management of low anomalies has been considered significantly less challenging than high anomalies. Also, the outcome of low anomalies has traditionally been considered good. However, recent more critical long-term follow-up reports show a different picture. Many patients with low anomalies suffer from long-term anorectal functional problems, especially constipation but also soiling that occurs in a significant percentage of patients. In this review, we compile the recent views on the diagnosis, surgical treatment and outcome of low anorectal anomalies. We also present an algorithm for the management of these anomalies. The emphasis on the surgical management of low anorectal anomalies is to use as minimally invasive operative methods as possible and preserve the native mechanisms of continence that usually are much better preserved than in more severe high anomalies.