Imaged-guided and muscle sparing laparoscopic anorectoplasty using real-time magnetic resonance imaging.

A challenge when repairing imperforate anus is positioning the neo-rectum into the center of the sphincter muscle complex (SMC) with limited muscle injury and scarring. Unfortunately, the path through the components of the SMC are often non-linear. We have used MRI to delineate the complex and guide the needle through the center using standard MRI-guidance (Raschbaum GR et al. J Pediatr Surg 45:220-223, 2010; Thomas TT et al. J Pediatr Surg 35:927-930, 2000). However, asynchronous scanning requires multiple, time-consuming scans to advance the needle in stepwise fashion. Asynchronous scanning also prevents visualizing the needle as it is advanced. We recently integrated software into the MRI operative suite that allows placement of the needle with real-time MRI. We report the feasibility and utility of real-time MRI-assisted laparoscopic assisted anorectoplasty (RT MRI-LAARP). Needle guidance was performed with Siemens Espree 1.5 T MRI with T1 Flash RT Sequence. After needle placement, laparoscopic mobilization, fistula takedown and pull-through was performed using the needle to guide dilation to create a tract to pull-through the neo-rectum. Charts of patients who underwent RT MRI-LAARP were reviewed. Demographics, anatomy, number of needle passes, OR duration and complications are reported. There were five children that underwent RT MRI-LAARP; one was a redo secondary to a retracted rectovestibular fistula. Operative time ranged from 187-505 min. Average hospital stay was 4.0 ± 1.0 days. There were no intraoperative complications although one patient had temporary urinary retention post-op. Muscle sparring laparoscopic anorectoplasty using real-time MRI is feasible and facilitates needle placement through the SMC.

Development of an operative suspension system for the performance of MRI-OR-guided laparoscopic anoplasty.

BACKGROUND: MRI-guided laparoscopic assisted anorectoplasty (MRI-LAARP), a new approach for surgical correction of high imperforate anus, does not bisect the sphincter complex as in the PSARP and is able to pull the neorectum through the entire sphincter complex unlike the LAARP. There is no available MRI-compatible device to position and transport patients during this procedure. We report on the design of such a device here. METHODS AND DEVICE: The device was constructed from 1.0″ polyvinylchloride tubing and poly-methyl methacrylate (Plexiglass(®)) platform. The device has a stable, rigid base on which platform is secure. An adjustable and removable superstructure is secured to this base to suspend legs for lithotomy position. RESULTS: MRI-LAARP has been performed on 6 patients. The device has performed well and meets requirements set forth in development including construction with MRI-compatible materials, size fitting in the MRI bore, ability to hold patient in lithotomy position, ability to position and support MRI flex coils, and providing stability while transporting to a separate OR with needle in position. CONCLUSIONS: This device provides a stable structure to position and transport a patient with a needle in a tenuous position without dislodgement allowing this procedure, and potentially other procedures, to be done in hospitals without MROR capability.