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Updated: Jul 21, 2026

Surgical Management of Meatal Stenosis with Meatoplasty
Published on: November 30, 2010
Minimizing variance in pediatric patients after repair of anorectal malformations
Leigh Selesner1, Ryan Bigej2,3, Sara Alturky2
1Depart of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA. selesner@ohsu.edu.
Insights
A new perioperative protocol for anorectal malformation (ARM) surgery was feasible across two hospitals, maintaining short lengths of stay (LOS) and few complications. Protocol compliance was moderate, with areas for improvement noted.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric surgery
- Surgical protocols
- Anorectal malformations
Background:
- Anorectal malformation (ARM) requires complex perioperative management.
- Standardization of care can improve outcomes in pediatric surgical conditions.
- Variability in perioperative care may impact patient outcomes and resource utilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and impact of a standardized perioperative protocol for anorectal malformation (ARM) surgery.
- To assess complications, length of stay (LOS), and protocol compliance after implementation.
- To compare outcomes between a protocol cohort and a historical control cohort.
Main Methods:
- A standardized perioperative protocol for ARM was implemented across two pediatric tertiary hospitals.
- Data from a 24-month protocol cohort were compared to a 24-month control cohort.
- Outcomes assessed included demographics, compliance, complications, and length of stay (LOS).
Main Results:
- Forty-five patients were included; 89% completed VACTERL workup.
- Median postoperative LOS was 2 days in both control and protocol groups (p=0.80).
- No significant difference in total LOS or wound infections was observed; wound dehiscence occurred in 3 patients.
- Protocol compliance was 53%, with deviations in diet, VACTERL workup, and wound care.
Conclusions:
- A standardized ARM perioperative protocol is feasible and can be implemented across institutions.
- The protocol maintained excellent outcomes, including short LOS and minimal complications.
- Further refinement is needed to improve protocol compliance, despite demonstrated feasibility and positive outcomes.
Purpose:
A standardized anorectal malformation (ARM) perioperative protocol was implemented across two pediatric tertiary hospitals. The protocol addressed antibiotic duration, feeding advancement, VACTERL workup, and wound management. We aim to evaluate complications, length of stay (LOS), and protocol compliance.
Methods:
Introduced in June 2020, data from a 24-month protocol cohort (after a 6-month transition) were compared to a 24-month control cohort. Outcomes included demographics, compliance, complications and LOS.
Results:
Forty-five patients were included (control: 26, protocol: 19). Most were diagnosed with rectoperineal fistula (53%), 42% had significant cardiac disease, and 44% underwent prior colostomy. VACTERL workup was completed in 89%. Thirty-five patients underwent posterior sagittal anorectoplasty, and 10 cutback anoplasty. Median postoperative LOS was unchanged (control: 2 days; protocol: 2 days, p=0.80). Total LOS showed no difference (control: 3 days, protocol: 2 days, p = 0.51). No wound infections occurred. Wound dehiscence occurred in 1 control and 2 protocol patients (p=0.57). Compliance was 53% with deviations attributed to early diet initiation (n=4), incomplete VACTERL workup (n=2), and wound care (n=2).
Conclusion:
A standardized ARM perioperative protocol is feasible across institutions. It maintained excellent outcomes, including short LOS and few complications, though the small sample limited statistical power.
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