Persistent fecal incontinence into adulthood after repair of anorectal malformations

Persistent fecal incontinence beyond childhood is common in ARM patients. The aim of this study was to analyze a consecutive series of adult patients with persistent incontinence, establish the causes, and evaluate whether further treatment could be offered.

Forty-four adult ARM patients with reported incontinence were invited. Eighteen patients (11 males, median age 40.5 years, range 18-50 years) accepted and underwent clinical examination, rectoscopy, and 3D-ultrasound. Five had previously been treated with secondary surgery to improve continence.

Seventeen of the 18 patients had abnormal findings at examination. Eight patients had obstruction of the reconstructed anus. Eleven patients had sacral deformities. Nine patients had a defect in the external anal sphincter and nine patients could not contract the sphincter on demand. Five patients had significant prolapse of mucosa. In one patient, the neoanus was totally misplaced, one patient had a rectovaginal fistula, and one patient had short bowel syndrome due to several small bowel resections. Ten patients were offered conservative and five surgical treatment.

This case series of adults shows that a majority of the patients can be offered further treatment. This indicates a need for structured follow-up of ARM patients into adulthood.