To evaluate the occurrence of constipation after anorectal malformations (ARM) repair and the results of laxative treatment.
Between August 2012 and July 2017, the clinical data of patients with ARMs was prospectively collected. The patients were divided into two groups, good types and poor types. Good types included rectoperineal, rectovestibular, rectourethral bulbar, and no fistula. Risk factors were defined as spinal cord anomalies, sacral ratio <0.4, or cognitive impairment. Success was defined as that laxative could be tapered.
Eighty-four patients were enrolled with mean age of 6.3 ± 7.8 (0.6-59.9) years. The mean age of onset of constipation was 12.8 ± 8.3 months and the mean interval was 5.9 ± 5.1 months after reconstructions. The interval was not significantly different between patients with good types and poor types. In 23 patients with severe constipation being treated for >6 months, 14 of 18 (77.8%) patients with good types were classified as success, whereas only 1 of 5 (20%) patients with poor types was (p = 0.02). In patients with good types, 9 of 9 (100%) patients with no risk factors were successful; however, only 5 out of 9 (55.6%) patients with risk factors were successful (p = 0.02).
Constipation occurs shortly after operations. Patients with good types and no risk factors are susceptible to weaning laxatives.

BACKGROUND: At the severe end of the idiopathic constipation spectrum exist patients with chronic idiopathic constipation associated with an enormous megarectosigmoid, among whom few require surgery. We performed transanal proximal rectosigmoidectomy, involving preservation of a 5 cm rectal reservoir, to ameliorate inconsistent and unpredictable outcomes and fecal incontinence occurring in some patients operated on with other techniques.
METHODS: We retrospectively observed patients with chronic idiopathic constipation with megarectosigmoid who underwent transanal proximal rectosigmoidectomy during July 2017-May 2018. We analyzed sex, age, operation indication, complications, functional outcome, and time of follow-up. We statistically compared the dosage of laxative before and after the procedure.
RESULTS: Thirteen patients were included in the study. Median age during surgery was 8 years. In 9 cases, the indication for surgery was chronic intake of a daily high dose of Senna with failed weaning trials, and 4 had persistent fecal impaction with laxative-intolerance and refusal of rectal enemas. No intra/postoperative complications occurred. Currently, all 13 patients have daily voluntary bowel movements and no fecal accidents. Laxative dosage was significantly reduced (p = 0.007). Follow-up ranged 6-16 months.
CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results suggest transanal proximal rectosigmoidectomy as an adequate alternative for patients requiring surgery for chronic idiopathic constipation with megarectosigmoid.
METHODS: Clinical research.
METHODS: Level III.

UNASSIGNED: The role of surgery in treating children with functional constipation (FC) is controversial, because of the efficacy of bowel management programs. This case series is comprised of failures: 43 children, spanning 25 years\' practice, who had megarectosigmoid (MRS) and unremitting constipation.
UNASSIGNED: To determine whether these children were helped by surgery, and to contribute to formulating a standard of care for children with megarectum (MR) and/or redundancy of the sigmoid colon (MS) who fail medical management.
UNASSIGNED: We describe our selection criteria and the procedures we utilized - mucosal proctectomy and endorectal pull-through (MP) or sigmoidectomy (SE) with colorectal anastomosis at the peritoneal reflection. The internet (social media) allowed us to contact most of these patients and obtain extremely long follow-up data.
UNASSIGNED: 30/43 patients had MP and 13/43 had SE. Follow-up was obtained in 83% MP and 70% SE patients. 60% of MP and 78% of SE patients reported regular evacuations and no soiling. 20% MP patients had occasional urgency or soiling or episodic constipation. 12% MP and 22% SE patients required antegrade continence enemas (ACE) or scheduled cathartics and/or stool softeners. 4% MP had no appreciable benefit, frequent loose stools and soiling, presumably from encopresis.
UNASSIGNED: MR is characterized by diminished sensation, poor compliance and defective contractility. Patients with MR do better with MP, which effectively removes the entire rectum versus SE, where normal caliber colon is anastomosed to MR at the peritoneal reflection; furthermore, MP reliably preserves continence; whereas total proctectomy (trans-anal or trans-abdominal) may cause incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: To present our experience in patients with chronic idiopathic constipation complicated by megarectosigmoid and fecal incontinence who underwent a primary sigmoidectomy and appendicostomy.
METHODS: We reviewed eight patients referred to the Colorectal Center from 2014 to 2016 with chronic idiopathic constipation and undergoing a sigmoidectomy and appendicostomy. We analyzed the previous medical treatment, indications for the surgical procedure, and outcomes.
RESULTS: Age at operation was 5-19 years. Time with constipation was 4-15 years. All patients received multiple laxatives, mainly polyethylene glycol, and all had severe social problems. Four patients have autism. The indication for surgery was an unsuccessful laxative trial, refusal to continue with rectal enemas or both, and social fear of continued fecal incontinence. Post-operatively, all patients were having daily bowel movements without fecal accidents.
CONCLUSIONS: Selected patients with chronic idiopathic constipation complicated by megarectosigmoid and fecal incontinence can obtain great benefit from primary sigmoidectomy and appendicostomy.

OBJECTIVE: Megarectosigmoid (MRS) is commonly seen in children with anorectal malformations (ARM) and contributes to the high incidence of constipation. Surgical resection has been advocated by some, whereas others propose intense bowel management as the treatment of choice. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcome of both bowel function and configuration after surgical or conservative treatment of MRS in ARM patients.
METHODS: The study included 79 patients with ARM, excluding perineal fistula, (48 boys, 31 girls) from 1986 to 2007. MRS was diagnosed at colostomy formation or contrast enema performed in the neonatal period. Early in the period, the majority of the patients were treated surgically, whereas in the late 1990 s, a conservative approach with intensified bowel treatment was implemented. Contrast enema and bowel function investigations were performed repeatedly during follow-up.
RESULTS: MRS, according to radiological criteria, was diagnosed in 26/79 (33%) of the ARM children. Bowel functional outcome was similar regardless of surgical or conservative treatment and comparable to function in ARM children with non-MRS. The radiological signs of rectal dilatation and elongation disappeared after surgical intervention, but normalisation of the rectosigmoidal configuration was also seen with age in the conservative group.
CONCLUSIONS: Bowel functional outcome in ARM children with MRS was similar after either surgical or conservative treatment during follow-up. The radiological signs of rectal dilatation and elongation disappeared also in the conservatively treated patients over time.