One-stage correction of intermediate imperforate anus in males: preliminary results

Background: This prospective study was designed to assess the safety, cost effectiveness, and advantages of performing posterior sagittal anorectoplasty without colostomy on males with intermediate imperforate anus.
Method: Five consecutive males with intermediate imperforate anus were entered into the study. Chest and abdominal x-rays, skeletal surveys, renal ultrasound scans, and invertograms were done. Patients were resuscitated, and Pena's posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) done in prone positions. Two-ml syringe vents were inserted into the new anus for 10 days. Cephalosporin and metronidazole were given as peri-operative antibiotics.
Results: All patients had intermediate anomalies. There were no other major associated congenital anomalies. Urethral catheter could not be inserted in one patient. One patient presented with septicaemia and jaundice. He was deemed too ill to withstand a major operation. These 2 patients therefore had diverting colostomies. There were no problems with posterior sagittal anorectoplasty in the other 3 patients. The father of one patient discharged him against medical advice on the 5th postoperative day. The mother had post-partum haemorrhage and they went for traditional treatment because they could not provide blood donors. The skin wound of 2 patients healed completely at removal of stitches. Both are having monthly dilatations 9months and 1 year post-operatively.
Conclusion: This preliminary study shows that it is feasible for males with intermediate imperforate anus to have safe posterior sagittal anorectoplasty without colostomy. The advantages of one, instead of 3 major operations, are many, especially in developing countries. If this result can be reproduced in high anomalies colostomy may be unnecessary in many cases of anorectal malformations with a lot of benefits to these unfortunate children and their poor families.