Management of FI After Surgery of ARM

Plain-language summary

The posterior sagittal approach to anorectal malformation (ARM) has radically changed the outcome of these patients, improving the preservation of anal sphincters, owing to their anatomical identification. However, in long term follow-up, fecal incontinence and severe constipation remain the most frequent and disabling postoperative clinical problems, having a significant influence on quality of life. Current therapeutic measures for Fecal Incontinence include biofeedback, sacral nerve stimulation, radiofrequency energy delivery, surgical treatment and sphincter replacement. Biofeedback combined with SNS has achieved satisfactory results. However, not all patients have an improvement in their weakened anal sphincter and achieve acceptable continence. A detailed assessment of anorectal sphincter morphology and function can predict therapeutic outcome. Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) can help to judge the anal atresia type, to display the presence and running of the fistula, and to show the nature of anal sphincter, such as the shape, thickness, directions and position of the anal sphincter complex and location in the pelvic floor and other systems malformations, finally to provide a reliable diagnostic basis for surgical program and prognostic assessment. High-resolution anorectal manometry (HR-ARM) is the latest internationally recognized examination for the evaluation of anorectal function. A standardised protocol of HR-ARM can characterise FI from dyssynergic or other neuromuscular and sensory problems. As a result, HR-ARM provides a more appropriate management in patients with FI. In order to assess whether patients with fecal incontinence should choose biofeedback therapy, our study included children with FI after anorectal malformation, and combined HR-ARM and MR to predict the efficacy of sacral nerve stimulation and pelvic floor rehabilitation.

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