Prospective follow up of children with anorectal malformation: our center experience until 10 years of age

Longitudinal follow-up of bowel function in children with anorectal malformations (ARMs)) as they grow, to determine the anorectal function problems and help to resolve them somedeal.
Material and This study included 262 patients with ARM that operated in our center between 2006 until 2013.Patients that definitive reconstruction was performed in another center and underwent reoperation in this center excluded. Also children that expired or did not come for visit removed. Bowel function was prospectively evaluated by using a structured questionnaire that asked from their parents. Additional bowel treatment with enemas and stool softeners and use of diapers were recorded.
Interviews were completed with 242 children, age ranging from 3 to 10 years. 37.7% of patients had constipation.32.5% Grade 1 Manageable by changes in diet,54.3% Grade 2 Requires laxative and 13.2% Grade 3 Resistant to laxatives and diet. 18.6% of patients had fecal soiling , 31.5% Grade 1: Occasionally (once or twice per week),24% Grade 2: Every day, no social problem and 44.5% Grade 3:Constant, social problem.
In the present study there were many bowel function problems in ARM children, that needs additional attention to achieve them more near to level of healthy children. Pediatric surgeons who do the definitive surgery on anorectal malformations Should don’t lose contact with the patients as they become adults .These patients have many great troubles in adolescence.