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Internal sphincter-saving in imperforate anus with or without fistula. A manometric study
Insights
Preserving the internal sphincter during surgery for congenital anorectal anomalies is crucial. This study shows that maintaining sphincter function leads to normal manometric findings and good outcomes in infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Anorectal Malformations
Background:
- Congenital anorectal anomalies present diverse challenges in surgical correction.
- The functional integrity of the internal sphincter is critical for continence.
- Previous surgical approaches may have compromised sphincter preservation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the manometric function of the internal sphincter in infants with congenital anorectal anomalies.
- To assess the impact of surgical correction, specifically sphincter preservation and transplantation, on anorectal function.
- To emphasize the importance of preserving the internal sphincter for optimal surgical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Manometric assessment in 54 infants with various types of congenital anorectal anomalies.
- Preoperative and/or postoperative evaluation based on the orifice's accessibility.
- Surgical technique involved preserving and transplanting the ectopic rectal opening with its smooth musculature.
Main Results:
- All infants demonstrated a normally functioning internal sphincter post-transplantation.
- Normal anal resting tone (32-51 mmHg) and anal slow pressure wave activity (11.6-15.7/min) were observed.
- The recto-anal inhibitory reflex was consistently present in all cases.
Conclusions:
- Preservation and appropriate transplantation of the internal sphincter are vital for successful surgical correction of anorectal anomalies.
- Manometric assessment confirms the functional integrity of the preserved sphincter.
- Understanding and maintaining the internal sphincter's role can prevent poor functional results after surgery.
Abstract:
Manometric assessment was performed in 54 infants with congenital ano-rectal anomalies including those with a blindly ending rectum (6 cases) or with an ectopic bowel outlet either in the perineum (25 cases), vulva (8 cases), vagina (8 cases), urethra (5 cases) or bladder (2 cases). Infants with an externally accessible orifice were investigated preoperatively whereas those with an internal orifice or no orifice could only be evaluated after surgical correction. In all operated cases presented, the ectopic rectal opening was preserved together with its surrounding smooth musculature. It was transplanted ventral to the puborectalis sling into the anal dimple if present. A normal functioning internal sphincter was observed in all infants even after transplantation. Anal resting tone was normal in all cases with mean values in the various subgroups ranging from 32 +/- 10 mmHg to 51 +/- 6 mm Hg. Frequency of anal slow pressure wave activity ranged from 11.6 +/- 1.5/min to 15.7 +/- 1.3/min. The recto-anal inhibitory reflex was present in all cases. The term fistula should be reserved for morphologically and physiologically abnormal microscopic communications. Failure to appreciate the presence of a normal internal sphincter may account for poor functional results after surgery. The results demonstrate the importance of preserving the internal sphincter in surgical correction of anorectal anomalies.
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