Postoperative complications after reconstructive surgery for cloacal malformations: a systematic review.

The repair of cloacal malformations is most often performed using a posterior sagittal anorecto-vagino-urethroplasty (PSARVUP) or total urogenital mobilization (TUM) with or without laparotomy. The aim of this study was to systematically review the frequency and type of postoperative complication seen after cloacal repair as reported in the literature. A systematic literature search was conducted according to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines (PRISMA). Eight records were eligible for this study which were qualitatively analyzed according to the Rangel score. Overall complication rates reported in included studies ranged from 0 to 57 %. After meta-analysis of data, postoperative complications were seen in 99 of 327 patients (30 %). The most common reported complications were recurrent or persistent fistula (n = 29, 10 %) and rectal prolapse (n = 27, 10 %). In the PSARVUP group, the complication rate was 40 % and in the TUM group 30 % (p = 0.205). This systematic review shows that postoperative complications after cloacal repair are seen in 30 % of the patients. The complication rates after PSARVUP and TUM were not significantly different. Standardization in reporting of surgical complications would inform further development of surgical approaches. Other techniques aiming to lower postoperative complication rates may also deserve consideration.

Cloacal malformation patients report similar quality of life as female patients with less complex anorectal malformations.

PURPOSE: Cloacal malformations are the most complex type of anorectal malformation in females. This study aimed to report quality of life (QoL) of patients with a cloacal malformation for the first time in literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female patients with an anorectal malformation participating in a follow-up program for congenital malformation survivors aged 5 or older were eligible for this study. QoL was assessed with the PedsQL™ 4.0 inventory. Scores of patients with a cloacal malformation (CM) were compared with those of female patients with rectoperineal or rectovestibular fistulas (RP/RV) and with reference data. RESULTS: A total of 59 patients (67% response rate; 13 patients with cloacal malformation) were included, QoL was assessed by patient self-report at median age of 12years (8-13), and by parent proxy-report at median age of 8years (5-12). There were no differences between groups regarding the presence of associated anomalies, with also no differences regarding anomalies in the urinary tract (CM vs. RP/RV=31% vs. 15%, p=0.237). Scores of the cloacal malformations group were similar to those of the comparison group, except the proxy-reported scores on school functioning (60.0 vs. 80.0, p=0.003). Proxy-reported scores of cloacal malformation patients were significantly lower than reference values on total QoL-score, psychosocial health, and emotional and school performance. Patients (irrespective of type of ARM) who suffered from fecal soiling reported significantly lower scores with regard to psychosocial health (71.7 vs. 81.7, p=0.034) and its subscale school performance (65.0 vs. 80.0, p<0.001). QoL-scores reported by cloacal malformation patients did not differ significantly from the reference values of the healthy population. Parents of cloacal malformation patients reported significantly lower total QoL, emotional and school performances, as well as a lower general psychosocial health for their children relative to reference data of healthy children. CONCLUSION: Patients with cloacal malformations and females with less complex anorectal malformations report similar QoL. Parents of cloacal malformation patients report more problems on several psychosocial domains relative to the healthy reference group. To monitor these matters, long-term follow-up protocols should contain multidisciplinary treatment including periodical assessment of psychosocial well-being.