Authors
Mauricio Andres Carreño Sanchez, Javier Ruiz, Juan Siffredi, Lucila Alvarez, Luciana Cotignola, Maria Victoria Dominguez, Victor Ayarzabal, Victor Di Benedetto
Published in
Pediatric surgery international. Volume 42. Issue 1. Jun 25, 2026. Epub Jun 25, 2026.
Abstract
Posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) remains the standard surgical approach for rectobulbar fistula in patients with anorectal malformations (ARM). Laparoscopically assisted anorectoplasty (LAARP) has emerged as an alternative technique, although its role in rectobulbar fistula remains controversial.
To compare surgical and functional outcomes of LAARP and PSARP in pediatric patients with ARM and rectobulbar fistula.
A retrospective cohort study was conducted including male patients with rectobulbar fistula who underwent repair at a tertiary pediatric surgery center between 2000 and 2024. Patients were grouped according to surgical technique (LAARP vs. PSARP). Perioperative outcomes, postoperative complications, functional outcomes assessed using the Krickenbeck classification, and reintervention rates were analyzed.
Fifty-three patients met inclusion criteria (19 LAARP, 34 PSARP). Patients undergoing LAARP were significantly younger at the time of repair (median 8 vs. 17 months, p = 0.006). Overall postoperative complication rates did not differ significantly between groups (26.3% vs. 47.0%, p = 0.158). Functional outcomes and late complications were comparable. A non-significant trend toward fewer postoperative complications was observed in the LAARP group.
LAARP and PSARP provide comparable functional outcomes for rectobulbar fistula repair. LAARP appears to be a safe alternative in selected patients when performed in experienced centers.
PMID:
42347857
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 25 Jun 2026.
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