Multiple-flap anoplasty in the treatment of rectal prolapse after pull-through operations for imperforate anus

Rectal prolapse is a frequent complication after pull-through operations for high imperforate anus. Mucosal prolapse causes soiling, occasional bleeding, and pain. Simple resection of the redundant mucosa is unsatisfactory and leads to frequent recurrences or strictures. In 1982, Millard and Rowe reported a technique designed to correct rectal prolapse using two perineal flaps, thus providing a skin-lined anal canal. We have operated on two patients using the same technique. A three-flap anoplasty was used in nine other patients. With an average follow-up of 13 months, none of out patients presented recurrence of the prolapse or a significant stenosis. This procedure is safe and physiologically sound. The skin-lined anal canal provides some sensation where it is lacking. The functional and esthetic results are gratifying and we are now using the three-flap anoplasty as a primary procedure in the correction of high imperforate anus.