The long-term prognosis of two-flap anoplasty for mucosal prolapse following anorectoplasty for anal atresia

Abstract

Aim

Mucosal prolapse is a common complication following anorectoplasty for anorectal malformation. The symptoms such as soiling, staining, and pain significantly reduce the patients’ quality of life. Millard et al. (Plast Reconst Surg 69(3):399–411, 1982) reported the two-flap anoplasty that creates an anal canal using two perineal pedicle skin flaps to form a “deep anus”. We have used this procedure for mucosal prolapse since 1990. This study evaluated the long-term benefits of this method.

Methods

From 1990 to 2009, 18 patients suffering mucosal prolapse following anorectoplasty for high imperforate anus were treated using a two-flap anoplasty (TFARP) or just mucosal resection (MR). For each procedure, the long-term clinical follow-up (maximum of 20 years) was assessed by review of medical records against the frequency of recurrence, and the recurrence of preoperative symptoms postoperatively.

Results

Of the 18 patients, 8 presented with simple mucosal prolapse, 4 with bleeding, 3 with staining, 2 with incontinence, and 1 with pain. TFARP was performed for 14 patients and MR for 6 patients. In the MR group, during the maximum of 15 years follow-up, two patients (33 %) suffered a recurrence or failed to improve their symptoms such as bleeding and/or soiling. In the TFARP group, during the maximum of 20 years follow-up, there were no recurrences and their preoperative symptoms resolved completely. Furthermore, two patients in the TFARP group gained normal sensation prior to defecation.

Conclusion

The advantages of this procedure were no recurrences and complete resolution of preoperative symptoms. Moreover, it provides the possibility of gaining sensate defecation, possibly because the skin flap around the anus might help develop sensation.