Adopting the Swenson-like technique for patients with Hirschsprung disease in Vietnam.

PURPOSE: To evaluate outcomes of adopting the Swenson-like technique in transanal pull-through for Hirschsprung disease (HD) at a children's institution in Southeast Asia. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed over 42 months at a safety-net pediatric hospital in Vietnam. RESULTS: From January 2019 to June 2022, the Swenson-like technique was implemented and performed on 139 patients (115 male, 24 female, mean age 6.4 ± 11.96 months). There were 123 transanal-only resections, 5 transanal plus laparoscopic, and 11 transanal plus laparotomy. The mean operative time was 70.9 ± 43.6 min. The average length of the resected specimen was 18.8 ± 10.9 cm. No urethral or vaginal injuries occurred. Postoperative complications included 1 anastomotic leak (0.7%), 4 anastomotic stenoses (2.8%), and 2 perianal abscesses in the setting of recurrent enterocolitis (1.4%). With a mean follow-up of 26 ± 11.9 months (range 3-48 months), there were 25 enterocolitis cases (17.9%), 45 patients with constipation (32.3%), 1 episode of fecal incontinence lasting longer than 6 months (0.7%), and 1 rectal-vestibular fistula noted one year postoperatively (0.7%). There were no deaths. CONCLUSION: The Swenson-like technique in transanal pull-through for Hirschsprung's disease was safely adopted at our institution. The results show that applying this technique uniformly in a single institution led to excellent outcomes.

Long-term functional outcomes of patients with Hirschsprung disease following pull-through.

BACKGROUND: Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a common congenital disorder presenting with functional obstruction due to aganglionosis of the colon. There are numerous types of pull-through surgery for managing HSCR, such as transabdominal endorectal (Soave), Swenson, Duhamel, transanal endorectal pull-through (TEPT), and laparoscopic (Georgeson) approach. Here, we aimed to describe the long-term outcome of patients with HSCR who underwent transabdominal Soave, Duhamel, and TEPT in our institution. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional analysis for patients who underwent Duhamel, Soave, and TEPT at our institution from January 2012 to December 2015. Long-term functional outcome was determined by bowel function score (BFS). The BFS was obtained by interviewing patients who had completed at least three years of follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were included in this study who underwent transabdominal Soave (n = 8), Duhamel (n = 4), and TEPT (n = 13). There were 24 patients with short aganglionosis type. The median age of HSCR diagnosis was 10 (IQR = 1-39) months, while the median age of pull-through surgery was 17 (IQR = 7-47) months. The median follow-up of BFS level for HSCR patients after pull-through was 72 (IQR, 54-99) months. There were 11 patients with good BFS level and 10 patients with normal BFS level. Additionally, 50% of Duhamel patients had poor BFS level, while 50% of Soave patients had good BFS level, and 54% of TEPT patients had normal BFS level (p = 0.027). As many as 50% of Duhamel patients showed daily soiling and required protective aids, while 38.5% of TEPT had staining less than 1/week and no change of underwear required, and 50% of Soave patients revealed no soiling, respectively (p = 0.030). Furthermore, 75% of Duhamel patients had accidents, while 75% of Soave and 46.2% of TEPT patients had no accidents (p = 0.035). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that the type of definitive surgery might affect the long-term bowel functional outcome; particularly, the TEPT approach might have some advantages over the transabdominal Soave and Duhamel procedures.

A novel Lugol's iodine staining technique to visualize the upper margin of the surgical anal canal intraoperatively for Hirschsprung disease: a case series.

BACKGROUND: In cases of Hirschsprung disease, complete and reproducible resection of the aganglionic bowel is ideal to achieve good postoperative bowel function. Reliable identification of the upper margin of the surgical anal canal, which is the squamous-columnar junction, is necessary during transanal pull-through. Here, we describe a novel staining technique using Lugol's iodine stain to visualize the upper margin of the surgical anal canal. METHODS: Lugol's iodine staining was performed in five patients with Hirschsprung disease treated using a single-stage laparoscopic transanal pull-through modified Swenson procedure. In two of these patients, endocytoscopic observation with ultra-high magnification was performed using methylene blue and crystal violet to mark the border of the squamous epithelium at 1 week before surgery. The alignment between the incisional line, which was revealed using Lugol's iodine staining and endocytoscopic marking, was evaluated. Complications, including postoperative bowel dysfunction, were evaluated. RESULTS: In all cases, Lugol's iodine staining produced a well-demarcated line. The endocytoscopic marking of the upper margin of the surgical anal canal was aligned with the line revealed by Lugol's iodine staining. There were no complications associated with the transanal pull-through procedure, including postoperative bowel dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Lugol's iodine staining could be a safe and practical method to visualize the upper margin of the surgical anal canal intraoperatively. This finding may be useful for surgeons to make a consistent removal of the aganglionic bowel during surgery for Hirschsprung disease.

How best to expose the entire surgical anal canal in the operative field during transanal pull-through for Hirschsprung's disease: a crucial step that determines success.

PURPOSE: During transanal pull-through (TAPT) for Hirschsprung's disease (HD), exposing the entire surgical anal canal (SAC) including the squamo-columnar junction, or anorectal line (ARL) is a crucial step for minimizing problematic postoperative bowel function. We present a hint for exposing the entire SAC. METHOD: Histologically, the ARL represents the junction of proximal unilayer columnar colorectal mucosa with distal stratified squamous epithelium and is the proximal limit of the SAC. It is an obvious landmark; proximal mucosa is vivid pink and distal mucosa is more whitish. We use the Lone Star (LS) self-retaining retractor system to expose the ARL. Before we attach the LS hooks to the anal sinuses on the dentate line full-circle, we place 3/0 sutures at 0, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock around the anus to expose the anal sinuses. If the patient's buttocks cannot be positioned as described or the patient is too high on the table, the LS ring does not sit well, resulting only in dilatation and lengthening of the SAC without prolapse. By hanging the patient's buttocks 5 cm over the end of the table, the LS ring sits snugly and the ARL and entire SAC prolapse to the anal verge. RESULTS: Good positioning, as described, greatly facilitated dissection in 61/68 TAPT cases, while poor exposure hindered treatment in 7/68. CONCLUSION: Thorough exposure of the entire SAC, which is crucial for adequate TAPT, is greatly facilitated by patient positioning.

Single center experience with salvage surgery for chronic pelvic sepsis.

Chronic pelvic sepsis eventually requires salvage surgery in half of all patients. The goal of surgery is to resolve pelvic inflammation while restoring intestinal continuity. Our salvage procedure achieves this by bringing a healthy conduit into the pelvis and creating an anastomosis beyond the source of sepsis. We aimed to review our single center experience with this procedure for the treatment of chronic pelvic sepsis. All patients requiring the procedure from 2010 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed using a prospective database. Morbidity and mortality were evaluated, and restoration of bowel continuity at 1-year rate was the endpoint. Twenty patients were included. The main indication was pelvic sepsis after anastomotic leak (AL). The median age was 60 (42-86) years and the median BMI was 26 (18-37) kg/m2. The median time carrying a stoma before the intervention was 15 months, and median time to intervention was 32 months. All patients had a diverting stoma. There were no death and overall morbidity reached 60%, and AL rate was 10%. At 1 year, 70% of the patients had their intestinal continuity restored. In expert hands, salvage surgery for chronic pelvic sepsis has acceptable morbidity rates, an acceptable rate of AL, and a bowel restoration success rate 70% at 1 year, and is a valuable option for patients failing conservative treatment.

Surgical Reconstruction Options for a Case of Near Total Intestinal Aganglionosis.

Hirschsprung's disease is a congenital anomaly affecting neural crest cell migration and proliferation in the myenteric plexi resulting in dysmotility, which can present as bilious emesis, delayed meconium passage, and bowel obstruction in neonates, or chronic constipation in older children. Depending on the extent of aganglionosis, this disease can involve the whole gut. Treatment involves a temporary ostomy and interval definitive surgical reconstruction. In patients with near or total intestinal aganglionosis, however, there is no consensus on the most effective surgical reconstruction as consideration of the length and function of the normal remnant bowel create concerns for complications with short bowel syndrome post-operatively. We present a case of near-total intestinal aganglionosis highlighting the various options for definitive surgical reconstruction.

The Prevalence and Clinical Profile of Hirschsprung's Disease at a Tertiary Hospital in Bahrain.

Background Hirschsprung's disease (HD) is a rare but important congenital pediatric disease of the colon, and its incidence varies widely between ethnic groups. Its incidence was first studied in Bahrain in 1980 using hospital-based data. Over a 16-month period, 10 cases were reported, representing a relatively high incidence rate: 1 per 4000 births. Even though the number of live births in Bahrain has increased dramatically over the last four decades (doubling from 10,000 to 20,000 per year), published studies about the incidence of HD are uncommon. In this research, we aimed to determine both the prevalence and the clinical characteristics of HD at a tertiary hospital in Bahrain. Methods This retrospective observational cross-sectional study included children diagnosed with HD at a tertiary hospital in Bahrain over the last seven years (2014-2020). Children over 10 years were excluded. Clinical data collected included gestational age, birth weight, gender, associated anomalies, clinical features at presentation, disease management, and complications. Results The prevalence of HD in Bahrain was found to be 1.3 per 10,000 live births, according to 18 patients qualified for inclusion in this study. The median age at diagnosis was 18 days; approximately 72% were males, and nearly 94% were Bahraini nationals. Three patients (16.7%) had associated anomalies including cardiac and urogenital malformations. Abdominal distention was the most common clinical presentation (83.3%) followed by constipation (77.8%). Half of the patients (50%) passed meconium within 48 hours of birth. Transanal full-thickness rectal biopsy was the method of diagnosis in most patients (83.3%). Seven patients (38.9%) were diagnosed comparatively late (beyond the neonatal period), at a mean age of 1-2 years. Significant associations between age at diagnosis and clinical presentation, initial management, or surgical intervention were not found. A total of 17 patients (94.4%) underwent the definitive surgery (transanal pull-through procedure). In this surgical group, initial colonic decompression was performed via rectal washout in six patients (35.3%) and via temporary stoma in three patients (17.8%). Laparotomy combined with the definitive surgery was necessary for six patients (35.3%). Most of the patients treated surgically had a short segment disease (70.5%). Conclusions The awareness of HD is highly important, especially with more than one-third of cases diagnosed outside the neonatal period and half of them passing meconium within 48 hours of birth. In addition, early detection of HD in the neonatal period would result in a less complicated course by reducing the number of patients requiring a multi-stage surgery and further laparotomies.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Transanal Pull-Through in Hirschsprung Disease: Does Laparoscopic Dissection Minimize Anal Overstretching?

Introduction: Surgical treatment for Hirschsprung disease (HD) has evolved from a staged repair to a primary operation but is still associated with significant complications. Extensive transanal dissection may overstretch the sphincter and cause partial tear; however, laparoscopic dissection can decrease rectal overstretching. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the outcome of surgical management of HD and the efficacy of laparoscopic-assisted transanal endorectal pull-through in infants and children in our center. Patients and Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 74 patients who underwent surgical repair of HD from 2006 to 2019. However, we excluded 42 patients with HD (patients with stoma [n = 33] and total colonic aganglionosis [n = 9]). The remaining 32 patients were divided into two groups. Group A included patients who had transanal pull-through with laparoscopic assistance only to visualize the transition zone, take a biopsy, and check for twisting or bleeding. Group B included patients who had laparoscopic-assisted transanal pull-through with dissection of the rectum. All patients had Soave repair with an approximate cuff length of 5 cm. Results: Group A included 18 patients, whereas group B included 14 patients. Demographic data were comparable between the two groups with no significant difference in age or gender (P = .12 and .67, respectively). Patients in group A had longer operative time (210 ± 20.75 minutes versus 178 ± 18.92 minutes; P < .001) and hospital stay (6 ± 1.33 days versus 5 ± 1.24 days; P = .033). No significant difference was observed in postoperative complications between both groups (anastomotic site stricture, P = .295; persistent soiling, P = .238). Conclusion: Laparoscopic rectal dissection for managing HD is associated with less operative time and hospital stay. In addition, all procedures required for the repair can be safely performed using laparoscopy.

[Long term evaluation of transanal surgery with automatic suture in Hirschsprung's disease]. / Evaluación a largo plazo de la cirugía transanal con sutura automática en la enfermedad de Hirschsprung.

OBJECTIVE: Retrospective and descriptive study of patients with diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease (HD) in whom transanal pull-through was performed in our center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients with diagnosis of HD in whom transanal surgery was performed between 2006 and 2018 in our center were selected. In all cases laparoscopic biopsy was performed in the previous dilated area. Once intraoperatory biopsy revealed the presence of ganglionic cells, transanal De la Torre surgery was performed, until reaching the localization of the biopsied area. Circular automatic suture was performed in all cases. RESULTS: Surgery was performed in 21 patients (16 boys and 5 girls) with a median age of 12 months (5-62). No patient had enterocolitis. The median resection length was 14.5 cm (3-45) and no intraoperative complications happened. One patient (5%) developed a rectosigmoideal abscess, which was solved with antibiotic. One case (5%) needed another surgery due to umbilical trochar eventration. No patient had enterocolitis after the surgery. One patient (5%) had stenosis, solved by its section and other case (5%) had sleeve compression which was solved by laparoscopic section. After a median follow up of 97 months (12-159), one child (5%) developed encopresis, which is treated with periodic anal irrigations and other patient (5%) has chronic constipation, which require periodic enemas. The rest of the patients have no symptomatology. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, in our series of cases, transanal pull-through with circular automatic suture was a safe and useful technique. It has a low rate of operative and postoperative complications and provides good prospective results.

OBJETIVO: Estudio retrospectivo descriptivo de pacientes con enfermedad de Hirschsprung (EH) intervenidos en nuestro centro por vía transanal. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Se seleccionaron a los pacientes con diagnóstico de EH intervenidos por vía transanal con sutura automática circular en nuestro centro entre los años 2006 y 2018. Se realizó biopsia laparoscópica de la zona previa a la dilatación en todos los casos. Tras la confirmación de la presencia de células, se procedió al descenso transanal tipo De la Torre hasta alcanzar la zona de la biopsia. La anastomosis se realizó con sutura automática circular (CEEA 21 o 25 mm). RESULTADOS: Se intervinieron 21 pacientes, 16 niños y 5 niñas, con una mediana de edad de 12 meses (5-62). Ningún paciente presentó enterocolitis preoperatoria. La mediana de la longitud resecada fue de 14,5 cm (3-45), sin incidencias intraoperatorias. Un paciente (5%) presentó absceso rectosigmoideo postoperatorio, resuelto con antibióticos. Un caso (5%) necesitó de nueva cirugía por eventración del acceso umbilical. Un paciente (5%) presentó estenosis, resuelta mediante sección y otro (5%) compresión del manguito seromuscular, que fue tratada con sección laparoscópica. No hubo casos de enterocolitis postoperatoria. Tras una mediana de seguimiento de 97 meses (12-159), un niño presenta encopresis (5%) tratada mediante sistema de irrigaciones transanales periódicas y otro caso (5%) cursa con estreñimiento, en tratamiento con enemas periódicos. El resto se hallan asintomáticos. CONCLUSION: En definitiva, podemos afirmar que en nuestra serie el descenso transanal con sutura automática circular es una técnica segura y eficaz, que presenta una tasa baja de complicaciones intra y postoperatorias, con buenos resultados a largo plazo.

Three-Dimensional Versus Two-Dimensional Laparoscopic-Assisted Transanal Pull-Through for Hirschsprung's Disease in Children: Preliminary Results of a Prospective Cohort Study in a Tertiary Hospital.

BACKGROUND: This prospective cohort study is aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of three-dimensional (3D) versus two-dimensional (2D) laparoscopy in laparoscopic-assisted transanal pull-through (LATP) for the surgical treatment of Hirschsprung's disease (HD) in children. METHODS: This study enrolled 80 children who were histologically diagnosed with HD and undergone LATP performed by a single experienced surgeon at our department between January 2015 and November 2017. Children were randomized to receive 2D laparoscopy (n = 40) or 3D laparoscopy (n = 40). Data on patient characteristics, operative parameters, and the surgeon's assessment on utilization of laparoscopic system were prospectively recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Patient characteristics, including age at surgery, gender, weight, and the level of aganglionosis, were comparable between the two groups (each P > .05). Compared with 2D imaging system, 3D system significantly shortened the performance time of laparoscopic phase (27.0 ± 3.6 minutes versus 38.3 ± 4.3 minutes, P < .001) with a 29.5% reduction, and the total time of the entire surgery (106.0 ± 19.5 minutes versus 122.1 ± 18.7 minutes, P < .001). No statistical difference was observed in terms of estimated intraoperative blood loss and intraoperative laparoscopic complications between the two groups (each P > .05). In addition, 3D system significantly improved depth perception and precision, and reduced surgical strain for the surgeon. CONCLUSIONS: 3D LATP is feasible and safe in the surgical treatment of HD in children. Further studies are still needed to investigate the application of 3D in both experienced and inexperienced surgeons.

Minimally Invasive Neonatal Surgery: Hirschsprung Disease.

Transanal pull-through (TAPT) is the procedure of choice for treating Hirschsprung disease and should be performed with laparoscopic assistance using the anorectal line (ARL) to ensure optimum postoperative bowel function (POBF). The dentate line (DL) has traditionally been used as the landmark for commencing dissection during TAPT, but we prefer the ARL because the DL is too subjective and can be associated with risk for injury to delicate sensory innervation required for normal defecation in the anal transition zone. An intact anal transition zone and total excision of the posterior rectal cuff are crucial for normal defecation. Objective assessment of POBF is essential for thorough follow-up and early detection of potential late complications that may arise.

Long-term results of the Duhamel technique are superior to those of the transanal pullthrough: A study of fecal continence and quality of life.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The Duhamel and transanal pull-through (TAPT) techniques have been commonly used for the treatment of children with Hirschsprung disease (HD). However, despite adequate treatment, some patients present with fecal incontinence that severely affects the quality of life (QoL) and lead to psychiatric disorders. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate, through previously adapted questionnaires, the incidence of fecal incontinence and the quality of life (QoL) of children with HD who underwent Duhamel or TAPT techniques. In addition, we compared the incidence of fecal incontinence and QoL indices in these patients with those in healthy children. MATERIALS/METHODS: The Fecal Continence Index (FCI) questionnaire and the questionnaire for the Assessment of Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents with Fecal Incontinence (AQLCAFI) were used in this study. A series of 41 patients with HD were divided into 2 groups according to the utilized surgical technique: the Duhamel group (20 patients) and the TAPT group (21 patients). The patients were compared with a control group of 59 healthy children. RESULTS: In the control group, 25 (42.4%) children had good continence and 34 (57.6%) had normal continence. In contrast, among patients with HD, 4 (9.8%) had poor fecal continence, 11 (26.8%) had fair continence, 18 (43.9%) had good continence, and 8 (19.5%) had normal continence. The QoL of children with HD was globally impaired in all domains of the AQLCAFI as well as in the FCI, when compared with the QoL of healthy children (P=0.001). The comparison between children who underwent surgery with the Duhamel technique and those who underwent surgery with TAPT technique showed similar outcomes according to the FCI. However, the results were inferior in patients who underwent TAPT technique according to the AQLCAFI questionnaire (P=0.003), lifestyle (P=0.006), behavior (P=0.01), depression (P=0.01), and embarrassment (P=0.003). CONCLUSION: The QoL and the FCI were impaired in patients who underwent surgery for correction of HD compared with healthy children; however, the impairment in QoL was greater in patients who underwent TAPT technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2B.

Rectal mucosal dissection commencing directly on the anorectal line versus commencing above the dentate line in laparoscopy-assisted transanal pull-through for Hirschsprung's disease: Prospective medium-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: In 2007, we began using the anorectal line (ARL) as the landmark for commencing rectal mucosal dissection (RMD) instead of the dentate line (DL) during laparoscopy-assisted transanal pull-through (L-TAPT) for Hirschsprung's disease (HD). We conducted a medium-term prospective comparison of postoperative fecal continence (POFC) between DL and ARL cases to follow our short-term study. METHODS: POFC is assessed by scoring frequency of motions, severity of staining, severity of perianal erosions, anal shape, requirement for medications, sensation of rectal fullness, and ability to distinguish flatus from stool on a scale of 0 to 2 (maximum: 14). RESULTS: Patient demographics were similar for ARL (2007-2014: n=33) and DL (1997-2006: n=41). There were no intraoperative complications and 2 cases of postoperative colitis in both ARL (6.1%) and DL (4.9%). Mean annual medium-term POFC scores for the 4-7 term of this study were consistently better in ARL: 9.7±1.4*, 10.1±1.6*, 10.6±1.6, and 11.3±1.4* in ARL and 8.6±1.5, 9.1±1.6, 9.8±1.9, 10.0±1.6 in DL (*: p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Medium-term POFC is better when the ARL is used as the landmark for RMD during L-TAPT for HD.

A new modified Swenson transanal pull －through procedure with laparoscope －assisted in Hirschsprung＇s allied disease / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To introduce the laparoscope_assisted modified Swenson transanal pull_through pro_cedure and analyze its clinical outcome for Hirschsprungˊs allied disease(HAD). Methods Thirty_six patients with HAD underwent this new procedure at the Pirst Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University during October 2009 to March 2016. During laparoscope exam,biopsies were taken from rectum,sigmoid and descending colon for rapid frozen pathological biopsy slices. Then the affected colons were dissected to the left hemicolon. Subsequently,a sponge forcep was inserted into anus and the colon was pulled through the right below the peritoneal reflection. In order to prevent re_traction and mark the resection line,sutures were performed circumferentially both at the proximal and distal bowel wall. Between the circles,a full_thickness,circumferential incision of rectum was made. The proximal bowel was mobi_lized out through the anus to the laparoscope part. The distal end was dissected anteriorly 2. 5_3. 0 cm above the den_tate line. The posterior rectal wall was split medium longitudinally and dissected to 0_0. 5 cm above the dentate line, so as to make a full _thickness ＂V＂ _shaped anastomosis. Results Dostoperative anal function scores:33 cases (91. 7%)were excellent,3 cases(8. 3%)were good,and no grades were scored. Compared with preoperative,the anal canal rest pressure[(12. 93 ± 3. 17)kDa,(11. 19 ± 6. 50)kDa vs.(22. 03 ± 6. 23)kDa],length of anal canal high pressure area[(25. 46 ± 5. 56)mm,(21. 61 ± 5. 10)mm vs.(35. 26 ± 5. 05)mm],and rectal resting pressure [(0. 79 ± 0. 29)kDa,(0. 64 ± 0. 23)kDa vs.(1. 22 ± 1. 02)kDa]decreased significantly after 6 month∕1 year follow_up,and the differences were significant(all P〈0. 05). The length of anal canal high pressure area was different be_tween 6 months and 1 year follow_up(P〈0. 05). However,the static pressure of the anal canal and the rectum did not differ significantly(all P〉0. 05). All the patients were diagnosed as HAD on the basis of intraoperative frozen lice ex_amination and postoperative pathologic examination. Thirty_six patients were followed up,and the reported complica_tions included soiling in 1 case(2. 8%),enterocolitis in 2 cases(5. 6%),without complications. During mean follow_up time(3. 3 years),none of the patients relapsed. Conclusions Laparoscope_assisted modified Swenson procedure for HAD is a minimally invasive approach with satisfactory results.

Single Stage Transanal Pull-Through for Hirschsprung's Disease in Neonates: Our Early Experience.

OBJECTIVE: Hirschsprung's disease is one of the common causes of intestinal obstruction in neonates. Transanal endorectal pull-through represents the latest development in the concept of the minimally invasive surgery for Hirschsprung's disease. In this study, we present our early experience with single stage transanal pull through in neonates. DESIGN: Retrospective study of neonates with single stage transanal pull-through done for Hirschsprung's disease in our institute from January 2011 to January 2013. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Five newborn boys who presented with Hirschsprung's disease were studied. The selection criteria included radiological transition zone at rectosigmoid or mid-sigmoid region, weight more than 2 kg, no evidence of enterocolitis or sepsis and no associated major anomaly. Single stage transanal endorectal pull-through was done in these patients. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 2 years. RESULTS: Five patients with a mean age of 26.4 days (range 15-45 days) and a mean weight of 2.6 Kg (range 2.2 to 3.7 Kg) underwent transanal endorectal pull through. The mean operating time was 68 min (range 60 to 120 min). The average intra-operative blood loss was 20 ml (range - 10 to 30 ml) and the average length of bowel resected was 12.8 cm (range - 10 to 18 cm). Post-operatively patients passed first stool between 2nd and 3rd day. Oral feeding was resumed on 5th to 6th post-operative day. The average post-operative duration of stay in hospital was 10 days. None of the patients had post-operative bleeding, urethral injury, anastomotic leak or retraction of anastomotic site. Three patients developed perianal excoriation and one patient had post-operative enterocolitis. No mortality occurred in the series. CONCLUSION: Advancement in pediatric anaesthesia, availability of pediatric surgical expertise, improvement in pre-operative and post-operative management and nursing care has made single stage transanal pull-through in neonates a feasible option. The early results are comparable to single stage or multistage surgery in older children.

Single Stage Transanal Endorectal Pull-through Operation for Hirschsprung’s Disease in Neonate: A Single Center Experience / 소아외과

PURPOSE: The single stage transanal pull-through (SSPT) for Hirschsprung’s disease is becoming the most popular procedure. This single center study compared the result of single stage operation with two-stage operation for Hirschsprung’s disease in neonates. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all patients who were diagnosed as Hirschsprung’s disease and underwent SSPT or two-stage operation operation in Asan Medical Center between January 2003 and July 2014. RESULTS: There were 17 SSPT and 28 two-stage operation. The mean age of SSPT group was 14.2±7.1 days, and the mean age of two-stage operation group was 15.4±8.6 days for stomy formation, and 188.6±36.3 days for Duhamel operation. The operation time of SSPT was shorter than Duhamel operation (145.0±37.0 minutes vs. 193.0±36.0 minutes, p<0.001). The mean follow-up period of SSPT and two-stage operation was 35.5±34.9 months (range, 2-132 months) and 56.6±35.5 months (range, 1-121 months), respectively. Defecation problem rate such as fecal soiling or fecal impaction showed no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.719). Two SSPT patients required botulinum toxin injection due to rectal stenosis. Three patients of SSPT group underwent re-do endorectal pull-through due to remnant aganglionic or hypoganglionic bowel. CONCLUSION: The SSPT showed shorter hospital days. However, few patients experienced rectal stenosis, but were manageable with botulinum toxin injection. The SSPT requires experienced-pathologist, as well as surgeon, because intra-operation pathology reading is critical for appropriate SSPT. SSPT is a feasible and reasonable option to treat Hirschsprung’s disease.