Transperineal Intracath Meconiolysis and Evacuation Technique of "Distended" Bowel Evacuation for One-Stage Laparoscopic Anorectoplasty for High Anorectal Malformations in Males.

Introduction

One-stage anorectoplasty provides maximum potential for "normal" defecation reflexes right at birth and avoids complications and problems of colostomy. One-stage laparoscopic anorectoplasty (OSLARP) for rectourinary fistula (RUF) is restricted by distended bowel obscuring the working space for laparoscopy. This study describes transperineal intracath meconiolysis and evacuation (TIME) technique for OSLARP in the treatment of RUF in neonates. Materials and Technique: High male anorectal malformation (ARM) admitted from January 2016 to March 2019 were included in the study. Diagnosis of level of ARM was made on the basis of invertogram. Patient presenting with lethal comorbidities were excluded who underwent colostomy. The technique involved placement of a 16G intracath in the perineum through the site of future neo-anus, which was identified using muscle stimulator. Meconiolysis and evacuation was done using warm saline and 2% N-acetyl. The creation of enough abdominal space was achieved after evacuation and two working instruments were placed in paraumbilical positions. The laparoscopic dissection and division of fistula was done as followed in standard laparoscopic anorectoplasty.

Results

Seventeen patients were selected for TIME technique but on laparoscopy 2 patients had severe necrotizing enterocolitis hence they underwent laparoscopy-assisted high sigmoid colostomy. Fifteen patients underwent OSLARP successfully. Mean weight was 2.5 ± 0.4 kg, mean gestational age was 36 ± 5 weeks, and mean age of presentation was 3.5 ± 1 days after birth. The TIME technique was successful decompressing bowel in all the patients. Out of 15 patients of OSLARP, 14 had rectoprostatic urethral fistula and 1 had rectovesical fistula. Mean total operative duration of OSLARP was 46 ± 15 minutes. Patients who could be followed for 3 years had good results in terms of continence and bowel movements. Discussion: TIME technique is a very simple and effective way to overcome the problem of associated colonic distention in neonatal one-stage laparoscopic anoplasty.