[Roentgeno-functional studies in ectopia of the anal canal in children]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Radiology

Background:

• Anal canal ectopia is a congenital condition affecting pediatric patients.
• Fecal incontinence is a common complication associated with anal canal abnormalities.
• Understanding the impact of surgical correction on muscle function is vital.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the relationship between anal canal ectopia, puborectal muscle function, and fecal incontinence in pediatric patients.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of surgical correction (forming the anal orifice - FAO) on muscle competence.
• To determine optimal timing for surgical intervention or management strategies.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of X-ray data from 70 pediatric patients (1 day-15 years).
• Inclusion of cases before and after forming the anal orifice (FAO) surgery, and cases with stenosis.
• Radiographic assessment during irrigoscopy and/or with a Foley catheter.

Main Results:

• Puborectal muscle weakening and incompetence, leading to fecal incontinence, were observed.
• Muscle incompetence showed a correlation with patient age and the degree of colon orifice stenosis.
• 55 cases were investigated pre-correction, 11 post-FAO, and 4 had stenosis without ectopia.

Conclusions:

• Age and colon orifice stenosis severity are proportional to puborectal muscle incompetence and fecal incontinence.
• Radical surgical correction in the latter half of the first year of life is recommended.
• Alternative measures for ensuring adequate bowel evacuation may be necessary.