One-stage transanal endorectal pull-through for treatment of hirschsprung's disease in adolescents and adults.

BACKGROUND

One-stage pull-through operation has become increasingly popular for treatment of Hirschsprung's disease. The one-stage transanal pull-through was introduced in the late 1990s and has rapidly replaced traditional procedures in infants and young children in many surgical centers.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to determine feasibility and safety of transanal primary repair in adolescent and adults.

METHODS

Fifteen patients who underwent transanal endorectal pull-through were prospectively studied. All patients presented by chronic refractory constipation with the age ranged from 11 to 22 years. The patients were followed up for a mean of 18 months. Anal continence and postoperative complication were evaluated.

RESULTS

Incomplete continence in the form of soiling occurred in four patients (26.6%) and improved gradually with conservative management. No patients suffered from complete incontinence. Anastomotic strictures occurred in two patients and were successfully treated with regular dilatations. One patient had continued outlet obstruction and revision was considered for him. One patient complicated with low perianal fistula which needed fistulectomy. There was no impotence in adults.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that one-stage transanal endorectal pull-through operation in adolescent and adults is feasible and safe.