Long term follow-up and transition of care in anorectal malformations: An international survey.

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to assess current international practice in the long term follow-up, in managing active problems and transition of care for teenagers born with anorectal malformations (ARM).

METHODS

An original survey was administered to delegates attending two large colorectal surgical meetings in 2015. The 21 questions covered long term follow-up, specific issues for teenagers and transition of care.

RESULTS

96/236 delegates completed the survey. Follow-up was routinely suspended before 10 year of age by 33% of respondents. 90% of them did not use a scoring system to assess or risks stratify patients, despite 81% stating that an objective score would be beneficial. 40% of respondents felt that >30% of their teenagers had ongoing active medical or psychosocial issues. 42% thought their patients were not ready to be transitioned. The process of transition should start around 13-16 years according to 54% of respondents. 72% had no protocol for transition and 82% did not hold multidisciplinary meetings with adult practitioners before transition.

CONCLUSIONS

International consensus on the following aspects of the care in ARM is needed: structured long term follow-up, objective assessment and risk stratification scores, pathways of transition and methods to prepare patients, parents and adult practitioners.