Advantages of performing the sagittal anoplasty operation for imperforate anus at birth

The development of the posterior sagittal anorectoplasty approach has been a major recent advance in the repair of imperforate anus. It has been found that sagittal anoplasty can easily and preferably be carried out in the newborn period without the need for colostomy or "tapering." It is suggested that the perineal sagittal approach be attempted first, with the infant positioned so that the abdominal part of the abdominoperineal approach can be used if necessary--this seldom may be required. Neonatal closure of urinary tract fistulas in boys is an added attractive feature of this approach. The importance of optical magnification (microsurgery) and excellent, intense lighting of the perineal area with a headlamp is stressed for this approach in the newborn, particularly for the management of high pouches and high fistulas. This operation at birth relieves alimentary tract obstruction at birth, eliminates urinary tract contamination (when it exists) at birth, establishes anorectal continuity and maximum potential for "normal" defecation reflexes at birth, and achieves all of this in one rather than three operations.