title: Postoperative complications in adults with anorectal malformation: a need for transition. German Network for Congenital Uro-REctal Malformations (CURE-Net).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the German Network for Congenital Uro-REctal malformations (CURE-Net) is to collect data of affected patients with anorectal malformation (ARM) to investigate molecular causes, clinical implications and psychosocial outcome. The current issue was to examine the transition to adulthood in adults with ARM and to explore condition-related needs and skills required.
  
  
  METHODS
  This qualitative study is part of a larger multi-center study of clinical queries and quality of life in patients with ARM. The guided interview focused on the analysis of medical data and personal questionnaires.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Interviews were completed with 55 (23 females, 32 males) participants, age ranging from 18 to 56 years. Twenty-one patients suffered from mucosal prolapse, 18 patients had had megasigmoid/megacolon. Relevant stenosis of the neo-anus occurred in 13 (42 %) males and 4 (18 %) females, permanent neurogenic bladder dysfunction in 10 (32 %) males and 4 (18 %) females, recurrent urinary tract infections in 10 (32 %) males and 13 (59 %) females, latex allergy in 10 (32 %) males and 7 (32 %) females. Thirty-seven (70 %) patients had to be reoperated. Forty-one (75 %) patients needed means of aftercare to achieve social continence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study wants to contribute to a better understanding of the challenges of transition for adults with ARM.
authors: Department of Pediatric Surgery, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
authors: Dominik
authors: D
authors: Schmidt
authors: Ekkehart
authors: E
authors: Jenetzky
authors: Nadine
authors: N
authors: Zwink
authors: Eberhard
authors: E
authors: Schmiedeke
authors: Stefanie
authors: S
authors: Maerzheuser
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000071056:Anorectal Malformations; D001006:Anus, Imperforate / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012042:Registries; D012648:Self Care; D060305:Transition to Adult Care; D001750:Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / Q000209:etiology; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000209:etiology; D055815:Young Adult