One-stage correction of high imperforate anus in the male neonate.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility, safety, and short-term outcome of complete one-stage repair of high imperforate anus in the newborn boy. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of five full-term male infants who underwent posterior sagittal anorectoplasty without a colostomy within the first 48 hours of birth. Preoperative imaging was performed to assess associated anomalies. All infants underwent cystoscopy before the perineal operation to determine the level of the urinary tract fistula, if present. After completion of the anoplasty, all were turned supine and the colon irrigated free of meconium. Follow-up ranged from 10 to 24 months. RESULTS: Laparotomy was not required for any patient. Three patients had a rectoprostatic urethral fistula, one a rectovesical fistula, and one no fistula (common wall at level of prostate). Tapering rectoplasty was required for only the one patient with a rectovesical fistula. There were no intraoperative complications. All patients passed stool within 12 hours after operation and took full feeding by 48 hours. The average hospital stay was 7 days. Postoperative and stenosis occurred in one patient secondary to parental noncompliance with the postoperative dilation regimen. There were no perineal wound complications. All patients have a strong urinary stream and defecate spontaneously without the aid of oral medication or rectal stimulation or enemas. CONCLUSIONS: One-stage repair of high imperforate anus in the male neonate is feasible without short-term genitourinary or gastrointestinal morbidity. Whether it is preferable compared with a delayed (two or three stage) repair depends on ultimate long-term anorectal function, which cannot be assessed for several years.

Maternal fertility is not affected by fetal surgery.

The purpose of this report is to assess the impact of fetal surgery on future maternal fertility, subsequent pregnancy outcome, and the incidence of pregnancy complications. Retrospective data were collected on 70 mothers who underwent fetal surgery between April 1981 and June 1996. Indications for open hysterotomy fetal surgery included congenital diaphragmatic hernia (n = 44), congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung (n = 11), urinary obstruction (n = 9), sacrococcygeal teratoma (n = 4), heart block (n = 1), and acardiac-acephalic twin reduction (n = 1). The following data were obtained: number of pregnancy attempts, number of successful pregnancies, pregnancy outcome including obstetrical and neonatal complications, and infertility after fetal surgery. There were 45 respondents, of whom 35 attempted subsequent pregnancies. Thirty-two were successful, resulting in 31 livebirths. Two women had a strong prefetal surgery history of infertility, 1 has only attempted to conceive for 3 months. We report this experience because the effect of open fetal surgery on futrue fertility is such an important question for our patients and referring physicians. This analysis suggests that hysterotomy and open fetal surgery has a negligible impact on maternal fertility.

A strategy for primary reconstruction of long gap esophageal atresia using neonatal colon esophagoplasty: a case report.

Treatment options for long gap esophageal atresia without tracheoesophageal fistula generally require several stages over many months. An early neonatal vascularized conduit would allow a tension-free anastomosis, but the precarious blood supply of the neonatal bowel makes mobilization and immediate interposition hazardous. This report describes the successful application of a strategy for primary reconstruction in the neonate using a short piece of colon mobilized into the mediastinum for subsequent delayed anastomosis.