title: Laparoscopic rectal pull-through for persistent cloaca: an easier approach for a complex anomaly.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to describe the surgical technique and initial outcomes of laparoscopic-assisted anorectal pull-through for persistent cloaca.
  
  
  METHODS
  From January 2008 to June 2010, laparoscopic-assisted rectal pull-through was performed for 10 patients with persistent cloaca. The patient ages ranged from 3 to 9 months. The operation was carried out using 4 trocars. CO(2) pressure was maintained between 8 and 12 mm Hg.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Laparoscopic-assisted rectal pull-through was successfully performed in all patients. Operative time ranged from 80 to 120 minutes (mean, 91.5 ± 10 minutes). There were no intraoperative or postoperative deaths or complications. The mean hospital stay was 4.4 ± 0.5 days (range, 4-5 days). The length of follow-up varied from 6 to 24 months (mean, 12.9 ± 5.7 months) in all 10 patients. Anal stenosis was not observed in any patient. Seven patients had 1 to 2 stools per day, 2 patients had 3 stools per day, and 1 patient had 1 stool every 2 days. No patient had fecal incontinence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic rectal pull-through is a feasible, effective, and less traumatic approach for anorectoplasty in patients with persistent cloaca.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, National Hospital of Pediatrics, Hanoi, Vietnam. liemnhp@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Nguyen Thanh
authors.initials: NT
authors.lastname: Liem
authors.forename: Tran Anh
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Quynh
mesh_terms: D000071056:Anorectal Malformations; D001006:Anus, Imperforate / Q000601:surgery*; D002988:Cloaca; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome