title: Evaluation of postoperative anal functions using endoanal ultrasonography and anorectal manometry in children with congenital anorectal malformations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to assess the postoperative anorectal anatomy and function in children with congenital anorectal malformations (ARM) using endoanal ultrasonography (EUS) and anorectal manometry.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study included 47 children who had undergone posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) or transperineal anorectoplasty for the repair of an ARM. Children were grouped according to symptoms of defecation disorder, including normal defecation, fecal soiling, fecal incontinence, and constipation. Ten children with no history of anal or rectal diseases served as healthy controls. A well-established scoring system was used for the evaluation of anal function and defecation disorder.
  
  
  RESULTS
  EUS showed significant differences in the thickness of the interior sphincter between the ARM patients and the healthy controls (P<0.05). However, no significant difference was found in the thickness of the interior sphincters between the PSARP group and transperineal anorectoplasty group (P>0.05). Anorectal manometry showed that the balloon volumes were significantly different between the surgical group and the control group (P<0.01), and between the low defect group and the intermediate-high defect group (P=0.022). Balloon volume was significantly correlated with anal function scores (r=-0.30, P<0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  EUS and anorectal manometry can provide objective assessment of postoperative anorectal anatomy and function in children with ARM.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neonatal Gastrointestinal Surgery, Chongqing Medical University Children's Hospital, Chongqing 400014, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing 400014, China; Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China.
authors.forename: Zhichao
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Department of Neonatal Gastrointestinal Surgery, Chongqing Medical University Children's Hospital, Chongqing 400014, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing 400014, China; Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China. Electronic address: hlj1116@163.com.
authors.forename: Lijun
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.affiliation: Department of Neonatal Gastrointestinal Surgery, Chongqing Medical University Children's Hospital, Chongqing 400014, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing 400014, China; Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China.
authors.forename: Xianqing
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Jin
authors.affiliation: Department of Neonatal Gastrointestinal Surgery, Chongqing Medical University Children's Hospital, Chongqing 400014, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing 400014, China; Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China.
authors.forename: Xiaoqing
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Neonatal Gastrointestinal Surgery, Chongqing Medical University Children's Hospital, Chongqing 400014, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing 400014, China; Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China.
authors.forename: Lixia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Xu
mesh_terms: D001003:Anal Canal / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D000071056:Anorectal Malformations; D001006:Anus, Imperforate / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures; D019160:Endosonography; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D012007:Rectum / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Anal function; Anorectal manometry; Congenital anorectal malformation; Endoanal ultrasonography