title: Follow-up studies of anorectal malformations after posterior sagittal anorectoplasty.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There are few follow-up studies comparing posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) with conventional procedures for patients with anorectal malformations (ARM). The authors have examined retrospectively postoperative anorectal function of patients with ARM treated with PSARP compared with those treated with conventional methods.
  
  
  METHODS
  Anorectal function in 23 patients with high and intermediate type anorectal malformations (PSARP group), who underwent PSARP more than 4 years previously, were assessed by Kelly's clinical scoring system and objective studies. These results were compared with those in 14 cases (5 high and 9 intermediate type cases; control group), who underwent other conventional surgical procedures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Using Kelly's clinical scoring system, scores of the PSARP group compared with the control group were good in 48% versus 21%, fair in 48% versus 58%, and poor in 4% versus 21%, respectively. Barium enema studies suggested better anorectal sphincteric function in patients with high anorectal malformation in the PSARP group. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies showed more correct placement of the rectum through the striated muscle complex in the PSARP group at the I-line level. Manometric studies showed no difference in maximum resting pressure, anal canal length, and the incidence of anorectal reflex between the two groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The favorable results of MRI and barium enema studies can be explained by direct visualization of the striated muscle complex with the aid of electrical stimulation as well as no harmful effects of amputation of the sphincter muscle in PSARP. However, manometric studies suggest anorectal function in patients with high and intermediate anorectal malformations is limited even after PSARP. Long-term postoperative follow-up with adequate bowel management is required for all patients with high or intermediate anorectal malformation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
authors.forename: Hisato
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tsuji
authors.forename: Akira
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Okada
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nakai
authors.forename: Tatsuo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Azuma
authors.forename: Makoto
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yagi
authors.forename: Akio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kubota
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000601:surgery; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D012003:Rectal Fistula / Q000145:classification* / Q000601:surgery; D012006:Rectovaginal Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D012007:Rectum / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012016:Reference Values; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media