Multicenter Study of 342 Anorectal Malformation Patients: Age, Gender, Krickenbeck Subtypes, and Associated Anomalies.

INTRODUCTION: Published studies based on Krickenbeck classification of anorectal malformations (ARMs) are still insufficient to assess the global as well as regional relative incidence of different ARM subtypes, gender distribution, and associated anomalies. The primary purpose of this study was to provide an estimate of those in Global Initiative for Children's Surgery (GICS) research group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected ARM data prospectively for 1 year from four institutes of different geographic locations. A total of 342 patients were included in this study (195, 126, 11, and 10 from Bangladesh, Iran, Papua New Guinea, and Oxford, United Kingdom, respectively). RESULTS: Overall male to female ratio was 1:1. The most frequent ARM subtype was perineal fistula (23.7% = 81/342). About 48.5% (166/342) patients had at least one associated anomaly. Cardiac and genitourinary systems were the most commonly affected systems, 31.6% (108/342) and 18.4% (63/342), respectively. These organ-systems were followed by anomalies of vertebral/spinal (9.9% = 34/342), musculoskeletal (4.4% = 15/342), and gastrointestinal/abdominal (3.2% = 11/342) systems. Rectovesical fistula had the highest percentage (96.4% = 27/28) of associated anomalies. About 18.1% (62/342) patients had multiple anomalies. ARMs (both isolated and with associated anomalies) occurred equally in males and females. Comparison between patients from Bangladesh and Iran showed differences in relative incidence in ARM subtypes. In addition, Iranian patient group had higher percentage of associated anomalies compared with Bangladeshi (73 vs. 35.4%). CONCLUSION: Our study provides important insights about ARM subtypes, gender distribution and associated anomalies based on Krickenbeck classification especially from Bangladesh and Iran.

New method of abdominoplasty for morbidly obese patients.

INTRODUCTION: We report two cases of morbidly obese patients with huge infected abdominal aprons who underwent apronectomies at Alice Springs Hospital, Northern Territory, Australia. We describe a novel technique which to date has not been described in the available literature. Patients afflicted by morbid obesity with large aprons can be incapacitated by immobility as well as suffer from recurrent infections. Apronectomy in this situation can be difficult because of the heavy weight of the apron. METHOD: This technique involves the use of a small crane and large orthopaedic K-nails. Two K-nails were inserted into the apron and attached to a small crane. This facilitated the elevation and manipulation of the apron during surgical dissection. The abdominal tissue removed from the female and male weighed 30 kg and 64 kg, respectively. The wounds were closed primarily and drained by three large bore suction drains. RESULTS: The female patient had a largely uneventful postoperative course with a minor wound infection that resolved with conservative treatment. The other patient required a more protracted course of antibiotics for his more severe infection. Mobility was markedly improved in both individuals. CONCLUSION: This novel technique can be used successfully for severely morbidly obese individuals and can significantly reduce the surgeon's and assistants' difficulty in manipulating and handling a heavy apron during dissection.