Can Anorectal Stenosis be Managed With Dilations Alone? A PCPLC Review.

PURPOSE: Congenital anorectal stenosis is managed by dilations or operative repair. Recent studies now propose use of dilations as the primary treatment modality to potentially defer or eliminate the need for surgical repair. We aim to characterize the management and outcomes of these patients via a multi-institutional review using the Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Learning Consortium (PCPLC) registry. METHODS: A retrospective database review was performed using the PCPLC registry. The patients were evaluated for demographics, co-morbidities, diagnostic work-up, surgical intervention, current bowel management, and complications. RESULTS: 64 patients with anal or rectal stenosis were identified (57 anal, 7 rectal) from a total of 14 hospital centers. 59.6% (anal) and 42.9% (rectal) were male. The median age was 3.2 (anal) and 1.9 years (rectal). 11 patients with anal stenosis also had Currarino Syndrome with 10 of the 11 patients diagnosed with a presacral mass compared to only one rectal stenosis with Currarino Syndrome and a presacral mass. 13 patients (22.8%, anal) and one (14.3%, rectal) underwent surgical correction. Nine patients (8 anal, 1 rectal) underwent PSARP. Other procedures performed were cutback anoplasty and anterior anorectoplasty. The median age at repair was 8.4 months (anal) and 10 days old (rectal). One patient had a wound complication in the anal stenosis group. Bowel management at last visit showed little differences between groups or treatment approach. CONCLUSION: The PCPLC registry demonstrated that these patients can often be managed successfully with dilations alone. PSARP is the most common surgical repair chosen for those who undergo surgical repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Does Delayed Diagnosis of Hirschsprung Disease Impact Post-operative and Functional Outcomes? A Multi-Center Review From the Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Learning Consortium.

BACKGROUND: Hirschsprung Disease (HD) is a rare cause of functional bowel obstruction in children. Patients are typically diagnosed in the neonatal period and undergo pull-through (PT) soon after diagnosis. The optimal management and post-operative outcomes of children who present in a delayed fashion are unknown. METHODS: A multi-center retrospective review of children with HD was performed at participating Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Learning Consortium sites. Children were stratified by age at diagnosis (neonates <29 days; infants 29 days-12 months; toddler 1 year-5 years and child >5 years). RESULTS: 679 patients with HD from 14 sites were included; Most (69%) were diagnosed in the neonatal period. Age at diagnosis was not associated with differences in 30-day complication rates or need for PT revision. Older age at diagnosis was associated with a greater likelihood of undergoing fecal diversion after PT (neonate 10%, infant 12%, toddler 26%, child 28%, P < 0.001) and a greater need for intervention for constipation or incontinence postoperatively (neonate 56%, infant 62%, toddler 78%, child 69%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Delayed diagnosis of HD does not impact 30-day post-operative outcomes or need for revision surgery but, delayed diagnosis is associated with increased need for fecal diversion after pull-through. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Evaluation of Post-neonatal Intensive Care Unit Home Irrigations Prior to Pull-through: Implications for Hirschsprung Disease Management.

BACKGROUND: Pull-through procedures for Hirschsprung disease (HD) can be performed during the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) stay or delayed until discharge following home irrigations. This study assesses the safety of a delayed pull-through as an alternative to neonatal reconstruction in infants with successful abdomen decompression with home irrigations based on Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) development. METHODS: A single-institution retrospective review of neonates with HD who underwent delayed or neonatal pull-through from July 2018-July 2022. Endpoints included post-pull-through HAEC incidence, recurrence at an 18-month follow-up, time to the first HAEC episode, NICU length of stay (LOS), and HAEC-related LOS. RESULTS: Twenty-four neonates were included. Eighteen were discharged from the NICU with home irrigations. Of these, 3 (28%) developed enterocolitis preoperatively, 12 (67%) underwent a delayed pull-through. NICU LOS in the delayed cohort was 3 times shorter than in the neonatal (6 vs. 18 days, p < 0.01). The incidence of enterocolitis (82% vs. 80%), time to the first episode (43 vs. 57 days), and HAEC-related LOS (median of 3 days) were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed HD pull-through is a viable neonatal reconstruction alternative that reduces NICU stay without increasing the risk of postoperative HAEC development. TYPE OF STUDY: Original Research Article. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Gastrointestinal Ostomies in Children: A Primer for the Pediatrician.

Despite the advancement of medical therapies in the care of the preterm neonate, in the management of short bowel syndrome and the control of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease, the need to create fecal ostomies remains a common, advantageous treatment option for many medically complex children.

Comparison of the PCPLC Database to NSQIP-P: A Patient Matched Comparison of Surgical Complications Following Repair of Anorectal Malformation.

BACKGROUND: Anorectal malformations (ARM) are rare and heterogenous which creates a challenge in conducting research and offering recommendations for best practice. The Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Learning Consortium (PCPLC) was formed in 2016 to address this challenge and created a shared national data registry to collect information about pediatric colorectal patients. There has been no external validation of the data collected. We sought to evaluate the database by performing a patient matched analysis comparing 30-day outcomes identified in the PCPLC registry with the NSQIP-P database for patients undergoing surgical repair of ARM. METHODS: Patients captured in the PCPLC database from 2016 to 2021 at institutions also participating in NSQIP-P who underwent ARM repair younger than 12 months old were reviewed for 30-day complications. These patients were matched to their NSQIP-P record using their hospital identification number, and records were compared for concordance in identified complications. RESULTS: A total of 591 patient records met inclusion criteria in the PCPLC database. Of these, 180 patients were also reviewed by NSQIP-P. One hundred and fifty-six patient records had no complications recorded. Twenty-four patient records had a complication listed in one or both databases. There was a 91 % concordance rate between databases. When excluding complications not tracked in the PCPLC registry, this agreement improved to 93 %. CONCLUSION: Including all patients evaluated for this subpopulation, a 91 % concordance rate was observed when comparing PCPLC collected complications to NSQIP-P. Future efforts can focus on further validating the data within the PCPLC for other patient populations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Intravaginal Mesalamine Administration: A Novel Technique for Neovaginal Colitis.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to present a novel technique for the treatment of neovaginal diversion colitis (also known as neovaginal colitis). CASE: OT is a 21-year-old cisgender female with a history of VACTERL who underwent a colonic vaginoplasty as an infant. She presented with symptoms indicative of and later diagnosed as neovaginal diversion colitis. The patient underwent a novel regimen of vaginal instillation of mesalamine followed by complete resolution of her symptoms. DISCUSSION: The following case study demonstrates a potentially effective treatment for cases of neovaginal diversion colitis.

Outcomes From Colonic Pull-Through for Cloacal Exstrophy Differ by Colon Length: A Multi-Institutional Study.

BACKGROUND: Cloacal exstrophy (CE) represents a rare sub-group of anorectal malformations. Traditionally managed with a permanent colostomy, colonic pull-through (PT) has emerged to allow cleanliness without a life-long stoma. We sought to understand outcomes of PT in a large multi-center CE population. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study involving eleven pediatric hospitals. We gathered data on demographics, outcomes, and anatomical factors including colon length. Continuous variables were analyzed with Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and categorial variables with Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: There were 98 patients, of which the majority (n = 70, 71.4 %) never underwent PT. There were no differences in exstrophy type, demographics, or associated anomalies. Median age at PT was 1.3 years (IQR 0.3-3.7). Of the cohort that continue to use their PT, the majority (n = 16, 69.6 %) are not clean. In total, 7.1 % (n = 7) of the cohort is clean with a PT, and only one patient is continent. Clean patients have a longer colon length than those who are not clean or opt for re-do ostomy (64.0 cm [IQR 46.0-82.0] vs 26.5 cm [IQR 11.6-41.2], p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Overall, we demonstrate that most children born with CE will keep their stoma. Only a small percentage who elect to undergo colonic PT are clean for stool. Greater colon length correlates with success. This suggests that multiple factors, including colon length, are important when considering PT in a child with CE. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

State of the Art Bowel Management for Pediatric Colorectal Problems: Spinal Anomalies.

BACKGROUND: Patients with spinal abnormalities often struggle with fecal and/or urinary incontinence (up to 87 and 92%, respectively) and require a collaborative approach to bowel management in conjunction. METHODS: To define existing approaches and propose state-of-the-art bowel management, a literature search was performed using Medline/PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases and focusing on the manuscripts published July 2013 and July 2023. RESULTS: Patients with spinal anomalies have impaired innervation of the rectum and anal canal, decreasing the success rate from laxatives and rectal enemas. Thus, transanal irrigations and antegrade flushes are widely utilized in this group of patients. Based on spinal MRI, the potential for bowel control in these children depends on age, type, and lesion level. On referral for bowel management, a contrast study is performed to assess colonic motility and evacuation of stool, followed by a series of abdominal X-rays to define colonic emptying and adjust the regimen. The options for management include laxatives, rectal enemas, transanal irrigations, antegrade flushes, and the creation of a stoma. Approximately 22-71% of patients achieve social continence dependent on the type and level of the lesion. CONCLUSION: Patients with spinal anomalies require a thorough assessment for continence potential and stool burden prior to initiation of bowel management. The optimal treatment option is defined according to the patient's age, anatomy, and mobility. The likelihood of independent bowel regimen administration should be discussed with the patients and their caregivers.

State of the Art Bowel Management for Pediatric Colorectal Problems: Hirschsprung Disease.

After an initial pull-though, patients with Hirschsprung disease (HD) can present with obstructive symptoms, Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC), failure to thrive, or fecal soiling. This current review focuses on algorithms for evaluation and treatment in children with HD as a part of a manuscript series on updates in bowel management. In constipated patients, anatomic causes of obstruction should be excluded. Once anatomy is confirmed to be normal, laxatives, fiber, osmotic laxatives, or mechanical management can be utilized. Botulinum toxin injections are performed in all patients with HD before age five because of the nonrelaxing sphincters that they learn to overcome with increased age. Children with a patulous anus due to iatrogenic damage of the anal sphincters are offered sphincter reconstruction. Hypermotility is managed with antidiarrheals and small-volume enemas. Family education is crucial for the early detection of HAEC and for performing at-home rectal irrigations.

State of the Art Bowel Management for Pediatric Colorectal Problems: Functional Constipation.

BACKGROUND: Functional constipation (FC) affects up to 32% of the pediatric population, and some of these patients are referred to pediatric surgery units to manage their constipation and/or fecal incontinence. The aim of the current paper is to report the recent updates on the evaluation and management of children with FC as a part of a manuscript series on bowel management in patients with anorectal malformations, Hirschsprung disease, spinal anomalies, and FC. METHODS: A literature search was performed using Medline/PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases and focusing on the manuscripts published within the last 5-10 years. RESULTS: The first step of management of children with FC is to exclude Hirschsprung disease with a contrast study, examination under anesthesia, anorectal manometry (AMAN). If AMAN shows absent rectoanal inhibitory reflex, a rectal biopsy is performed. Internal sphincter achalasia or high resting pressures indicate botulinum toxin injection. Medical management options include laxatives, rectal enemas, transanal irrigations, and antegrade flushes. Those who fail conservative treatment require further assessment of colonic motility and can be candidates for colonic resection. The type of resection (subtotal colonic resection vs. Deloyer's procedure) can be guided with a balloon expulsion test. CONCLUSION: Most of the patients with FC referred for surgical evaluation can be managed conservatively. Further studies are required to determine an optimal strategy of surgical resection in children unresponsive to medical treatment.

Rectal Prolapse Following Repair of Anorectal Malformation: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Management.

BACKGROUND: The incidence and optimal management of rectal prolapse following repair of an anorectal malformation (ARM) has not been well-defined. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed utilizing data from the Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Learning Consortium registry. All children with a history of ARM repair were included. Our primary outcome was rectal prolapse. Secondary outcomes included operative management of prolapse and anoplasty stricture following operative management of prolapse. Univariate analyses were performed to identify patient factors associated with our primary and secondary outcomes. A multivariable logistic regression was developed to assess the association between laparoscopic ARM repair and rectal prolapse. RESULTS: A total of 1140 patients met inclusion criteria; 163 (14.3%) developed rectal prolapse. On univariate analysis, prolapse was significantly associated with male sex, sacral abnormalities, ARM type, ARM complexity, and laparoscopic ARM repairs (p < 0.001). ARM types with the highest rates of prolapse included rectourethral-prostatic fistula (29.2%), rectovesical/bladder neck fistula (28.8%), and cloaca (25.0%). Of those who developed prolapse, 110 (67.5%) underwent operative management. Anoplasty strictures developed in 27 (24.5%) patients after prolapse repair. After controlling for ARM type and hospital, laparoscopic ARM repair was not significantly associated with prolapse (adjusted odds ratio (95% CI): 1.50 (0.84, 2.66), p = 0.17). CONCLUSION: Rectal prolapse develops in a significant subset of patients following ARM repair. Risk factors for prolapse include male sex, complex ARM type, and sacral abnormalities. Further research investigating the indications for operative management of prolapse and operative techniques for prolapse repair are needed to define optimal treatment. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Duodenal Atresia Repair: A Single-Center Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: The use of laparoscopy in the repair of duodenal atresia has been increasing. However, there is no consensus regarding which surgical approach has better outcomes. We aimed to compare the different surgical approaches and types of anastomoses for duodenal atresia repair. METHODS: Patients who underwent duodenal atresia repair at a single pediatric center were identified between January 2006 and June 2022. Those with concomitant gastrointestinal anomalies or who required other simultaneous operations were excluded. The primary outcome was rate of complications, defined as rate of leak, stricture, and re-operation by surgical approach and technique of anastomosis. RESULTS: A total of 78 patients were included. The majority were female (51.3%, n = 40), with a median age of 4 days (IQR 3.0,8.0) and a median weight of 2.7 kg (IQR 2.2,3.3) at repair. The re-operation rate was 7.7% (n = 6), of which two were anastomotic leaks, and four were anastomotic strictures. The leak rate was 5.6% (n = 1/18) for the open handsewn and 4.8% (n = 1/21) for the laparoscopic handsewn technique. The stricture rate was 12.5% (n = 1/8) for the laparoscopic-assisted handsewn, 9.1% (n = 2/22) for the laparoscopic U-clip, 4.8% (n = 1/21) for the laparoscopic handsewn, and none with laparoscopic stapled and laparoscopic converted to open handsewn techniques. No differences were found in complication rate when controlling for surgical approach. CONCLUSION: The method of surgical approach did not affect the outcomes or complications in the repair of duodenal atresia.

State of the Art Bowel Management for Pediatric Colorectal Problems: Anorectal Malformations.

Up to 79% of patients with anorectal malformations (ARMs) experience constipation and/or soiling after a primary posterior sagittal anoplasty (PSARP) and are referred to a bowel management program. We aim to report the recent updates in evaluating and managing these patients as part of the manuscript series on the current bowel management protocols for patients with colorectal diseases (ARMs, Hirschsprung disease, functional constipation, and spinal anomalies). The unique anatomic features of ARM patients, such as maldeveloped sphincter complex, impaired anal sensation, and associated spine and sacrum anomalies, indicate their bowel management plan. The evaluation includes an examination under anesthesia and a contrast study to exclude anatomic causes of poor bowel function. The potential for bowel control is discussed with the families based on the ARM index calculated from the quality of the spine and sacrum. The bowel management options include laxatives, rectal enemas, transanal irrigations, and antegrade continence enemas. In ARM patients, stool softeners should be avoided as they can worsen soiling.

Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis Protocol: A Single Center Study.

BACKGROUND: Initial treatment of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is correction of electrolyte disturbances with fluid resuscitation. In 2015, our institution implemented a fluid resuscitation protocol based on previous data that focused on minimizing blood draws and allowing immediate ad libitum feeds postoperatively. Our aim was to describe the protocol and subsequent outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective review of patients diagnosed with HPS from 2016 to 2023. All patients were given ad libitum feeds postoperatively and discharged home after tolerating three consecutive feeds. The primary outcome was the postoperative hospital length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes included the number of preoperative labs drawn, time from arrival to surgery, time from surgery to initiation of feeds, time from surgery to full feeds, and re-admission rate. RESULTS: The study included 333 patients. A total of 142 patients (42.6%) had electrolytic disturbances that required fluid boluses in addition to 1.5x maintenance fluids. The median number of lab draws was 1 (IQR 1,2), with a median time from arrival to surgery of 19.5 hours (IQR 15.3,24.9). The median time from surgery to first and full feed was 1.9 hours (IQR 1.2,2.7) and 11.2 hours (IQR 6.4,18.3), respectively. Patients had a median postoperative LOS of 21.8 hours (IQR 9.7,28.9). Re-admission rate within the first 30 postoperative days was 3.6% (n = 12) with 2.7% of re-admissions occurring within 72 hours of discharge. One patient required re-operation due to an incomplete pyloromyotomy. DISCUSSION: This protocol is a valuable tool for perioperative and postoperative management of patients with HPS while minimizing uncomfortable intervention.

Evaluation and Management of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review From the APSA Outcomes & Evidence-Based Practice Committee.

INTRODUCTION: Controversy exists in the optimal management of adolescent and young adult primary spontaneous pneumothorax. The American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) Outcomes and Evidence-Based Practice Committee performed a systematic review of the literature to develop evidence-based recommendations. METHODS: Ovid MEDLINE, Elsevier Embase, EBSCOhost CINAHL, Elsevier Scopus, and Wiley Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were queried for literature related to spontaneous pneumothorax between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2020, addressing (1) initial management, (2) advanced imaging, (3) timing of surgery, (4) operative technique, (5) management of contralateral side, and (6) management of recurrence. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. RESULTS: Seventy-nine manuscripts were included. Initial management of adolescent and young adult primary spontaneous pneumothorax should be guided by symptoms and can include observation, aspiration, or tube thoracostomy. There is no evidence of benefit for cross-sectional imaging. Patients with ongoing air leak may benefit from early operative intervention within 24-48 h. A video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) approach with stapled blebectomy and pleural procedure should be considered. There is no evidence to support prophylactic management of the contralateral side. Recurrence after VATS can be treated with repeat VATS with intensification of pleural treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The management of adolescent and young adult primary spontaneous pneumothorax is varied. Best practices exist to optimize some aspects of care. Further prospective studies are needed to better determine optimal timing of operative intervention, the most effective operation, and management of recurrence after observation, tube thoracostomy, or operative intervention. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. TYPE OF STUDY: Systematic Review of Level 1-4 studies.

Multi-Institutional Review From the Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Learning Consortium of Minor Spinal Cord Dysraphism in the Setting of Anorectal Malformations: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND/RATIONALE: Anorectal malformations (ARM) are associated with congenital anomalies of the spine, but the impact of a minor spinal cord dysraphism (mSCD) on fecal continence in the setting of ARM remains unclear. MATERIALS/METHODS: A retrospective review was performed utilizing data from the Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Learning Consortium (PCPLC) registry. The patient cohort was reviewed for ARM type, mSCD screening/incidence/neurosurgical intervention and age-based BMP utilization. RESULTS: 987 patients with ARM were categorized into mild (38%), moderate (32%) or complex (19%). 694 (70%) had normal spinal (NS) status. 271 (27.5%) patients had mSCD. MRI alone (49%) was the most common screening test for mSCD. US screening had a positive predictive value of 86.3% and a negative predictive value of 67.1%. Surgical intervention rates for mSCD ranged between 13% and 77% at a median age of 0.6-5.2 years. 726 (73.6%) patients were prescribed BMP (74.4% NS, 77.5% mSCD). Laxatives were most utilized BMP in all groups <5yo. ≥5yo, enema utilization increased with ARM complexity independent of spine status (with or without neurosurgical intervention). Neurosurgical intervention did not affect BMP utilization at any age or with any ARM when mSCD was identified. CONCLUSIONS: MSCD influence on bowel function in the setting ARM remains unclear. No significant impact of mSCD was noted on ARM patient bowel management program utilization. Variability exists within PCPLC site with screening and intervention for mSCD in patients with ARM. Future studies with standardized care may be needed to elucidate the true impact of mSCD on long term patient outcomes in ARM patients. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective Comparative Study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Surgical Management of Ulcerative Colitis in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review from the APSA Outcomes and Evidence-Based Practice Committee.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of ulcerative colitis (UC) is increasing. Roughly 20% of all patients with UC are diagnosed in childhood, and children typically present with more severe disease. Approximately 40% will undergo total colectomy within ten years of diagnosis. The objective of this study is to assess the available evidence regarding the surgical management of pediatric UC as determined by the consensus agreement of the American Pediatric Surgical Association Outcomes and Evidence-Based Practice Committee (APSA OEBP). METHODS: Through an iterative process, the membership of the APSA OEBP developed five a priori questions focused on surgical decision-making for children with UC. Questions focused on surgical timing, reconstruction, use of minimally invasive techniques, need for diversion, and risks to fertility and sexual function. A systematic review was conducted, and articles were selected for review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Risk of Bias was assessed using Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria. The Oxford Levels of Evidence and Grades of Recommendation were utilized. RESULTS: A total of 69 studies were included for analysis. Most manuscripts contain level 3 or 4 evidence from single-center retrospective reports, leading to a grade D recommendation. MINORS assessment revealed a high risk of bias in most studies. J-pouch reconstruction may result in fewer daily stools than straight ileoanal anastomosis. There are no differences in complications based on the type of reconstruction. The timing of surgery should be individualized to patients and does not affect complications. Immunosuppressants do not appear to increase surgical site infection rates. Laparoscopic approaches result in longer operative times but shorter lengths of stay and fewer small bowel obstructions. Overall, complications are not different using an open or minimally invasive approach. CONCLUSIONS: There is currently low-level evidence related to certain aspects of surgical management for UC, including timing, reconstruction type, use of minimally invasive techniques, need for diversion, and risks to fertility and sexual function. Multicenter, prospective studies are recommended to better answer these questions and ensure the best evidence-based care for our patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level of evidence III. STUDY TYPE: Systematic review.

Surgical Simulation of Posterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty for Rectovestibular Fistula: Low-Cost High-Fidelity Animal-Tissue Model.

PURPOSE: To provide a high-fidelity, animal tissue-based model for the advanced surgical simulation of a Posterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty (PSARP) for rectovestibular fistula in anorectal malformation (ARM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A chicken cadaver was used to assess the feasibility of simulating a PSARP for rectovestibular fistula in ARM. No modification was required to implement the surgical simulation. RESULTS: A detailed description of the high-fidelity surgical simulation model is provided. The PSARP can be simulated while providing realistic anatomy (e.g. common wall between rectovestibular fistula and vagina), adequate rectal size, location and placement of the rectovestibular fistula, and proximity to the vagina. Haptic conditions of the tissue resemble human tissue and operative conditions as well. DISCUSSION: Concerning the decreased exposure of index cases of pediatric surgical trainees and pediatric surgeons in practice, simulation-based training can provide means to acquire or maintain the necessary skills to perform complex surgical procedures [1-5] Surgical simulation models for ARM are limited. Few low-cost trainers are available with predominant artificial and mostly unrealistic tissue [6-8] Animal models have the advantage of realistic multilayer tissue haptic feedback [6]. CONCLUSION: We provide a low-cost, high-fidelity model for correcting a rectovestibular fistula in a child with ARM, a complex operative procedure with low incidence but high-stake outcomes. The described tissue model utilizing the chicken cloaca anatomy provides a high-fidelity model for operative correction of rectovestibular ARM. For simulation purposes in the treatment of ARM, this model appears to be promising in terms of providing realistic pathology and haptic feedback in pediatric dimensions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Fecal continence outcomes and potential disparities for patients with anorectal malformations treated at referral institutions for pediatric colorectal surgery.

PURPOSE: Fecal incontinence is a problem for many patients born with an anorectal malformation (ARM) that can impact quality of life. It is unknown if racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities relate to fecal continence in these children. We sought to examine outcomes and potential disparities in care. METHODS: We performed a multicenter retrospective study of children > 3y with ARM evaluated at sites participating in the Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Learning Consortium (PCPLC). The primary outcome was fecal continence. We evaluated for associations between fecal continence and race, sex, age, and insurance status. RESULTS: 509 patients with ARM from 11 institutions were included. Overall, 24% reported complete fecal continence, and fecal continence was associated with older age (p < .001). For school-aged children, 27% reported complete continence, while 53% reported none. On univariate analysis, patients with combined private and public insurance showed lower rates of continence when compared to those with private insurance (23 vs. 12%; p = 0.02). Age was associated with continence on univariate and multivariable analyses. CONCLUSION: Rates of complete fecal continence in this population are low. Differences based on payor status may exist. There were no observed disparities related to sex and race. Further investigation is warranted to improve care for this patient population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III. TYPE OF STUDY: Multi-institutional retrospective comparative study.