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Quality of Life and Anorectal Malformations: A Single-Center Experience
Gabriella Scirè1, Riccardo Gabaldo1, Ilaria Dando2
1Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics, and Gynecology, Pediatric Fertility Lab, Women & Child Hospital, University of Verona, Piazzale Stefani, Verona, Italy.
Insights
Pediatric surgeons report on long-term outcomes for children with anorectal malformations (ARM). Most patients achieve good quality of life and continence, though some experience complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric surgery
- Clinical outcomes
- Quality of life
Background:
- Anorectal malformations (ARM) present complex challenges in pediatric surgery.
- Long-term clinical outcomes and quality of life are critical considerations for patients with ARM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the long-term clinical outcomes and quality of life in children treated for anorectal malformations (ARM).
- To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment strategies and identify areas for improvement in patient management.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patients treated for ARM between 1999 and 2019.
- Use of a validated questionnaire to assess long-term quality of life outcomes.
- Inclusion of 28 patients from a total of 48 treated during the study period.
Main Results:
- Over 35% of enrolled patients experienced at least one long-term complication.
- More than 90% of patients reported a good quality of life.
- Urinary and fecal continence was achieved in over 95% of patients, often with the aid of medical devices.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive evaluation of life aspects, including school, sexuality, and continence, is essential for ARM patients.
- Improved interdisciplinary communication and management strategies can enhance postoperative function and patient well-being.
- Facilitating a smooth transition to adult life is crucial for individuals with ARM.
Purpose:
The treatment and long term clinical outcomes of anorectal malformations (ARM) in children have always been the focus of pediatric surgeons. This study aimed at reporting our experience as far as long-term follow-up of ARM in children is concern.
Methods:
We enrolled patients treated between 1999 and 2019, and established selection criteria to choose appropriate subjects. A validated questionnaire was used to determine long-term quality of life outcomes.
Results:
Out of a total of 48 patients treated within the study period, 28 were enrolled in this study. Among the latter, more than 35% had at least one long-time complication, and more than 90% had a good lifestyle. Urinary and fecal continence was achieved in more than 95% of the patients using medical devices.
Conclusion:
This study aimed to bring up new concepts; taking into consideration all aspects of life in patients with ARM, from school life to sexuality, while evaluating fecal and urinary continence. This is essential for the improvement of the skills of the different specialists involved in the management of these patients, and for the implementation of strategies that can improve postoperative function. Most especially, it will also help improve communication between doctors to ensure an adequate transition of these children into adult life.
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