These tools will no longer be maintained as of December 31, 2024. Archived website can be found here. PubMed4Hh GitHub repository can be found here. Contact NLM Customer Service if you have questions.


Pubmed for Handhelds

PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

Search MEDLINE/PubMed

  • Title: Bowel function and lower urinary tract symptoms in females with anterior anus treated conservatively: Controlled outcomes into adulthood.
    Author: Kyrklund K, Pakarinen MP, Taskinen S, Rintala RJ.
    Journal: J Pediatr Surg; 2015 Jul; 50(7):1168-73. PubMed ID: 25783328.
    Abstract:
    PURPOSE: Anterior anus (AA) is a low type of anorectal malformation that is seen exclusively in females, characterized by an essentially normal appearing anus in an abnormally anterior position. In AA, the anal canal is located mostly within the voluntary sphincter complex, differentiating it from a perineal fistula in females, and allowing for a nonoperative approach to management. This study aimed to characterize the controlled, long-term bowel functional outcomes and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in females with conservatively treated anterior anus. METHODS: A single-institution, cross-sectional study. All females treated conservatively for AA between 1983 and 2006 were invited to answer a postal questionnaire on bowel function and lower urinary tract symptoms. Each patient was matched by age and gender to 3 controls that had answered the same questionnaire. Ethical approval was obtained. RESULTS: Among 45 respondents (67%; median age 10.2 (4-20) years), fecal continence was comparable to controls overall (p=NS). Constipation affected a significantly higher proportion patients (36%) than controls (13%; p=0.002) and tended to decline with age. Outcomes by bowel function score were good/normal in 93%, satisfactory in 7% and poor in none. Lower urinary tract symptoms and age at toilet training were comparable to controls (p=NS). CONCLUSIONS: Up to adulthood, long-term bowel functional outcomes comparable to matched peers can be achieved in nearly all of females with AA with conservative management alone, provided that effective control of constipation is achieved. The prevalence of LUTS is comparable to controls, and toilet training can be expected to occur at the normal age.
    [Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]