[Computed tomography and anorectal malformations. Their postoperative evaluation]

Radiol Med. 1989 Apr;77(4):361-4.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

In spite of great progress in surgical treatment of anorectal malformations, fecal incontinence is still, in variable degrees, a frequent and unpleasant postsurgical sequela. The most frequent causes of incontinence are: i) the incorrect placement of the pulled-through colon in the levator ani and sphincteric muscular complex during abdominoperineal surgical procedures; ii) the poor development of sphincteric musculature; iii) the associated sacral anomalies. Postoperative CT helps to evaluate all the above-mentioned conditions, in view of possible new surgical procedure for improving continence (besides postoperative CT can help in choosing the more suitable surgical technique). Nine patients, aged 3 to 13 years, (2 with good continence and 7 with various degrees of incontinence), were studied with pelvic postoperative CT. In the cases (2) with good continence the CT picture was: good development of sphincteric musculature and neo-anorectum correctly placed into sphincteric musculature; in the cases (3) with low degree of continence: neoanorectum correctly placed, but hypoplastic puborectal muscle; in the cases (4) with complete incontinence, neoanorectum incorrectly placed and poor development of sphincteric musculature. A further posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (according Peña) is only suitable in the incontinence cases with: i) neoanorectum seriously misplaced; ii) good development of sphincteric musculature; iii) absence of sacral anomalies. Postoperative CT is a valid mean for demonstrating all the above-mentioned conditions and for choosing the best surgical technique in each case.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anal Canal / abnormalities*
  • Anal Canal / diagnostic imaging*
  • Anal Canal / surgery
  • Anus, Imperforate / complications
  • Anus, Imperforate / diagnostic imaging
  • Anus, Imperforate / surgery
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Fecal Incontinence / diagnostic imaging
  • Fecal Incontinence / etiology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnostic imaging
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Rectal Fistula / complications
  • Rectal Fistula / congenital
  • Rectal Fistula / diagnostic imaging
  • Rectal Fistula / surgery
  • Rectum / abnormalities*
  • Rectum / diagnostic imaging*
  • Rectum / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*