No abstract

One-stage laparoscopic-assisted colon pull-through is a safe and effective procedure for HD.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term follow-up result of a modified technique in the operation for high and intermediate anorectal malformations. The operation was performed by a posterior sagittal approach with three modifications: The external sphincter complex was not opened on the posterior side, the rectal pouch was not tapered, the dissection was performed outside the rectal pouch. From January 1984 to December 1992, 70 cases were operated on including 55 boys and 15 girls. There was one postoperative death during the first 48 hours due to malignant hyperthermia and one late death due to an unrelated disease. A follow-up result was obtained in 48 of 68 survivors (71 %) with follow-up ranging from 13 months to 10 years 11 months (mean: 72 months). According to the modified Wingspread criteria, 2 patients (4 %) had very good anorectal function, 26 children (54 %) had good anorectal function, 18 children (38 %) had fair anorectal function, and only two children (4 %) had poor anorectal function. All children had urinary continence and all boys had a normal erection. The long-term follow-up result was satisfactory. Two important factors affecting the anorectal function were the type of malformations and the thickness of the external sphincter complex.

One-stage operation is a safe procedure for HD.

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the long-term follow-up result of Swenson's operation in the treatment of Hirschsprung's disease in Vietnamese children. The surgical intervention was performed in three stages. Swenson's operation was performed by the same surgical team. Hirschsprung's disease was confirmed by an operative rectal biopsy. Regular out-patient attendances were made for follow-up. From January 1987 to January 1990, 69 patients including 61 boys and eight girls underwent Swenson's operation at a mean age of two years and five months (range from seven months to 14 years). There were two postoperative deaths during first 48 hours due to sepsis and two other late deaths due to severe enterocolitis (four months and six months after closure of colostomy respectively). Complications such as anastomotic leakage, anastomotic stenosis, perianal abcess, pelvic abcess did not occur. A follow-up result was obtained in 54 of 65 survivors (83%) with follow-up ranging from two to five years (mean: three years and six months). 51 of 54 children (94%) had a normal evacuation. Constipation persisted in three children (6%). Fecal soiling occurred in four children (8%) and stress urinary incontinence in one child (2%). All boys (47 children) had a normal erection. 53 patients (98%) had a normal weight growth, whereas 48 patients (89%) had a normal height growth. In conclusion, the long-term follow-up result of Swenson's operation in the treatment of Hirschsprung's disease was satisfactory.