Anorektaalianomalioiden hoidon pitkäaikaistulokset

Aims – To perform a detailed evaluation of the bowel functional outcomes of anorectal malformations (ARMs) after standardized treatment and systematic follow-up in relation to matched controls. To study the bowel habits of a large cohort of individuals from the general population to obtain a baseline for comparison to patients. Methods – A single-institution, cross-sectional study of all patients treated between 1983-2006 for anterior anus (AA, conservative or anal dilatations), perineal fistula (PF) males (anoplasty and/or dilatations) vestibular fistula (VF) or PF females (anterior sagittal anorectoplasty - ASARP) rectourethral fistula (RUF; posterior sagittal anorectoplasty – PSARP). Patients with significant cognitive impairment, total sacral agenesis/caudal regression syndrome, Currarino syndrome, or meningomyelocele were excluded. Participants answered a detailed questionnaire on bowel function by post. Parents of children <16 years assisted in responses. Case details were obtained from records. Patients were matched by age and gender to 3 individuals from the general population who had answered identical questionnaires. Ethical approval was obtained. Results – Our study of 594 individuals from the general population identified that minor aberrations in bowel function, especially soiling prevail in healthy individuals in an age-dependent manner. A total of 159 patients (72%; median age 12.5 (4-29) years) participated in the study on outcomes for ARMs (79 females: 45 AA and 34 VF/PF and 80 males: 46 PF/low ARM and 34 RUF males (35% bulbar, 53% prostatic, 12% bladder neck fistula). Fecal control in AA females and low ARM males was not significantly different from controls in the long-term (p=NS). In VF/PF in females, 68% of patients attained a functional outcome comparable to controls and 85% were socially continent (vs 100% of controls; p<0.001) Among RUF males, 76% of patients were social continent (vs 95% of controls; p<0.002). Despite some improvement in symptoms with increasing age, both soiling and fecal accidents among patients with VF/PF (65% and 24% respectively) and RUF (59% and 37% respectively) remained significantly higher than in controls in the long-term (18-26% for soiling and 4-6% for fecal accidents; p≤0.006 vs patients).The median BFS, the proportion with voluntary bowel movements and total continence decreased with increasing level of fistula in RUF. Constipation was an important sequel in all types of ARMs, affecting 31-44% of patients vs 2-13% of controls (p≤0.003 vs patients). Social restrictions affected a 15-36% of patients with severe ARMs (vs ≤5% of controls; p≤0.01). Conclusions - Our results support the appropriateness of sagittal repair methods for the treatment of VF/PF in females and RUF, and minor perineal procedures for mild ARMs. Patients with mild ARMs can generally be expected to develop bowel functional outcomes comparable to matched peers. In females with VF/PF and males with RUF, problems with fecal control persist at higher levels than controls into adulthood. However, the majority can be expected to achieve social continence with appropriate aftercare and effective management of constipation.Anorektumin synnynnäisten kehityshäiriöiden esiintyvyys on 1:2500 ja nämä muodostavat jatkumon erittäin monimutkaisista peräsuolen, virtsatiet ja genitaalit käsittävistä kehityshäiriöistä pelkkään lievästi ahtaaseen peräaukkoon. Tämän tutkimuksen tavoitteena oli kartoittaa laaja-alaisesti nykyaikaisin leikkausmenetelmin hoidettujen anorektaalianomaliapotilaiden suolen toiminnallisia tuloksia ikä- ja sukupuolivakioituihin verrokkeihin nähden. Poikkileikkauskyselytutkimukseen osallistui 159 vuosina 1983-2006 hoidettua anorektaalianomalia potilasta (72%; mediaani ikä 12,5 (4-29) vuotta). Verrokkiaineisto koostui 594:stä satunnaisesti väestöstä poimitun henkilön vastauksista. Verrokkien keskuudessa lievät toiminnalliset häiriöt kuten ajoittainen tuhriminen oli yleistä varsinkin lapsuudessa. Matalissa/lievissä anorektaalianomalioissa, joissa perä-aukko päättyy sulkijalihaskompleksin keskelle ja joiden hoitona oli käytetty yksinkertaista anoplastiaa ja/tai perä-aukon laajennuksia, normaali suolen toiminta ja ulosteenpidätyskyky saavutettiin lähes kaikilla potilailla aikuisikään mennessä. Nykyaikaisilla menetelmillä posteriorisella tai anteriorisella sagittaalisella anorektoplastialla (PSARP/ASARP) korjatuissa korkeissa tai monimutkaisissa anorektaalianomalioissa, joissa peräsuoli päättyy sulkijalihaskompleksin etupuolelle tai virtsaputkeen, normaali suolen toiminta saavutettiin 39%-68% potilaista anorektaalianomalian vaikeusasteesta riippuen. Sekä tuhriminen (59-65%) että tahaton ulosteenkarkailu (24-37%) pysyivät merkitsevästi yleisempinä kuin verrokeilla vielä aikuisiässä (p≤0.006) vaikka oirekuva lieventyi ajan myötä. Neljäsosalla uretrafisteli potilaista oli käytössään ACE-suolihuuhteluavanne suolen toiminnan hallitsemiseksi ja sosiaalisen ulosteenpidätyskyvyn ylläpitämiseksi. Ummetus oli tavallista lapsuudessa kaikissa anorektaalianomaliatyypeissä (31-44%) mutta hyvä hoitovaste oli yleensä saavutettavissa laksatiivohoidoilla. Hyvien toiminnallisten hoitotulosten saavuttaminen edellytti säännöllistä kliinistä seurantaa sekä tehokasta ummetuksen hoitoa. Lievää tai matalaa anorektaalianomaliaa sairastavat potilaat eivät kokeneet merkittäviä sosiaalisia ongelmia sairaudestaan johtuen verrokkeihin nähden mutta 15-36% korkeaa tai monimutkaista anorektaalianomaliaa sairastavista potilasta koki sairauden rajoittavan heidän elämäänsä ja harrastuksiaan. Tulokset sagittaalisen anorektoplastian jälkeen olivat kuitenkin paremmat kuin näitä edeltävillä leikkausmenetelmillä korjattujen anorektaalianomalioiden pitkäaikaistulokset, ja nykyinen tutkimus tukee näiden anatomiseen rekonstruktioon pyrkivien menetelmien käyttöä vaikealaatuisten anorektaalianomalioiden korjaamisessa sekä yksinkertaista anoplastiaa tai perä-aukon laajennuksia lievien anorektaalianomalioiden hoidossa

Long-term outcomes of lymphatic malformations in children : An 11-year experience from a tertiary referral center

Publisher Copyright: © 2022 The AuthorsBackground: Lymphatic malformations (LMs) are benign, congenital lesions that display considerable heterogeneity in terms of size, location and characteristics. This study aims to describe the long-term outcomes of current management strategies for patients with simple (cystic) LMs. Methods: The case records of all patients (age ≤16 years) with simple (cystic) LMs at our tertiary institution between 2008 and 2019 were assessed for clinical features, imaging and details of management, including complications. Results: Of a total of 164 patients (60% male), 66% were diagnosed aged <2 years. The median follow-up was 5 (0.3–16) years from diagnosis. LMs were located in the head and neck (40%), extremities (27%), trunk (23%), mediastinum (4%), or intra-abdominally (6%). Types were macrocystic in 47%, microcystic in 21% and mixed in 32%. Sclerotherapy was the most common intervention (38%). Primary surgery had been performed in 12%. Symptomatic improvement, reduction in size, or complete regression were observed in 82/102 (80%) of LMs after interventions; complications from treatment were uncommon (Clavien-Dindo grade I−II: 6%; grade III−IIId: 1%). Sixty-two patients (38%; median age 0.5 (range, 0–12) years) had not required interventions to date; spontaneous regression of the LM occurred in 16 (26%) of these expectantly followed-up cases. Conclusions: Most studies to date have focused on LMs in selected anatomical locations. Herein the outcomes of an entire population from a single tertiary unit of patients are presented, demonstrating the wide heterogeneity of simple (cystic) LMs and highlighting the importance of individualized, multidisciplinary approaches to care in achieving optimal outcomes.Peer reviewe

Manometric findings in relation to functional outcomes in different types of anorectal malformations

Aims: To compare anorectal manometry (AM) in patients with different types of anorectal malformations (ARMs) in relation to functional outcomes. Methods: A single-institution, cross-sectional study. After ethical approval, all patients >= 7 years old treated for anterior anus (AA), perineal fistula (PF), vestibular fistula (VF), or rectourethral fistula (RUF) from 1983 onwards were invited to answer the Rintala bowel function score (BFS) questionnaire and to attend anorectal manometry (AM). Patients with mild ARMs (AA females and PF males) had been treated with minimally invasive perineal procedures. Females with VF/PF and males with RUF had undergone internal-sphincter saving sagittal repairs. Results: 55 of 132 respondents (42%; median age 12 (7-29) years; 42% male) underwent AM. Patients with mild ARMs displayed good anorectal function after minimally invasive treatments. The median anal resting and squeeze pressures among patients with mild ARMs(60 cm H2O and 116 cm H2O respectively) were significantly higher than among patients with more severe ARMs (50 cm H2O, and 80 cm H2O respectively; p Conclusions: Our findings support the appropriateness of our minimally invasive approaches to the management of mild ARMs, and IAS-saving anatomical repairs for patients with more severe malformations. (C) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Peer reviewe

Sexual Function, Fertility and Quality of Life after Modern Treatment of Anorectal Malformations

Purpose: Sexual dysfunction and impaired quality of life due to fecal incontinence are common after classic operations for anorectal malformations. We hypothesized that modern repairs may result in improved outcomes. Materials and Methods: Following ethical approval for this single institution cross-sectional study, all patients 16 years or older treated for rectourethral, vestibular or perineal fistula from 1983 onward were sent detailed postal questionnaires on sexual function and quality of life. Each respondent was age and gender matched to 3 controls randomly selected from the general population. Penoscrotal/gynecologic abnormalities were obtained from the records. Results: A total of 41 patients (62%) with a median age of 22 years participated in the study. Of the patients 20 were males with rectourethral fistula (prostatic in 60%), 10 were females with vestibular/perineal fistula and 11 were males with low malformations. Although experience of sexual relationships and orgasmic function were reported in comparable proportions to controls, age at coital debut was significantly delayed in all groups of patients (p Conclusions: While erectile and orgasmic function appear preserved after sagittal repair, further evaluation of fertility issues in males with rectourethral fistula is indicated. Larger multicenter studies are needed to confirm our findings.Peer reviewe

Lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual functions after endorectal pull-through for Hirschsprung disease : controlled long-term outcomes

Background/purpose: To define the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and outcomes for sexual function after endorectal pull-through (EPT) for Hirschsprung disease (HD) compared to controls. To date, similar controlled studies are lacking. Methods: Patients aged = 4 years (n= 123) operated on forHDat our center between 1987 and 2011were invited to answer questionnaires on LUTS and sexual function (aged = 16 years). Patients with an intellectual disability and patients with a definitive endostomy were excluded. Patients were matched to three controls and also invited to a clinical follow-up for urological investigations including urine flow measurement, renal tract ultrasound, and urinalysis. Results: Altogether, 59 responses concerning LUTS and 24 responses concerning sexual functions were analyzed. No significant differences were demonstrated in the overall prevalence of LUTS between patients (67%) and controls (80%), nor in the prevalence of frequent LUTS (14% vs. 16%; P = NS for both). One patient (2%) had a urethral stricture after laparotomy-assisted EPT. Male patients reported sexual satisfaction and erectile function similar to controls (P N 0.10). Female patients were currently less in stable relationships compared to controls (25% vs. 83%, P= 0.005). Conclusions: Our results support the safety of EPT in patientswith HDwith regard to preservation of the integrity and functioning of the genitourinary tract. (C) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Peer reviewe

Comparative cohort study of Duhamel and endorectal pull-through for Hirschsprung's disease

Background: There are limited data available to compare outcomes between surgical approaches for Hirschsprung's disease. Duhamel and endorectal pull-through (ERPT) are two of the most common procedures performed worldwide. Methods: Objective outcomes were compared between contemporary cohorts (aged 4-32 years) after Duhamel or ERPT using case-control methodology. Data were collected using prospectively administered standardized questionnaires on bowel and bladder function and quality of life (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Short form 36 and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index). Patients were compared in two age groups (18 years and younger and older than 18 years) and reference made to normative control data. Multivariable analysis explored factors associated with poor outcomes. Results: Cohorts were well matched by demographics, disease characteristics and incidence of postoperative complications (120 patients who underwent Duhamel versus 57 patients who had ERPT). Bowel function scores were similar between groups. Patients who underwent Duhamel demonstrated worse constipation and inferior faecal awareness scores (P < 0.01 for both age groups). Recurrent postoperative enterocolitis was significantly more common after ERPT (34 versus 6 per cent; odds ratio 15.56 (95 per cent c.i. 6.19 to 39.24; P < 0.0001)). On multivariable analysis, poor bowel outcome was the only factor significantly associated with poor urinary outcome (adjusted odds ratio 6.66 (95 per cent c.i. 1.74 to 25.50; P = 0.006)) and was significantly associated with markedly reduced quality of life (QoL) in all instruments used (P < 0.001 for all). There were no associations between QoL measures and pull-through technique. Conclusion: Outcomes from Duhamel and ERPT are good in the majority of cases, with comparable bowel function scores. Constipation and impaired faecal awareness were more prevalent after Duhamel, with differences sustained in adulthood. Recurrent enterocolitis was significantly more prevalent after ERPT. Clustering of poor QoL and poor functional outcomes were observed in both cohorts, with seemingly little effect by choice of surgical procedure in terms of QoL.Peer reviewe

Long-term surgical and patient-reported outcomes of Hirschsprung Disease

Background: Information is needed regarding the complex relationships between long-term functional outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Hirschsprung's Disease (HSCR). We describe longterm outcomes across multiple domains, completing a core outcome set through to adulthood. Methods: HSCR patients operated at a single center over a 35-year period (1978-2013) were studied. Patients completed detailed questionnaires on bowel and urologic function, and HRQOL. Patients with learning disability (LD) were excluded. Outcomes were compared to normative data. Data are reported as median [IQR] or mean (SD). Results: 186 patients (median age 28 [18-32] years; 135 males) completed surveys. Bowel function was reduced (BFS 17 [14-19] vs. 19 [19-20], p < 0.0001;eta(2) = 0.22). Prevalence and severity of fecal soiling and fecal awareness improved with age ( p < 0.05 for both). Urinary incontinence was more frequent than controls, most of all in 13-26y females (65% vs. 31%, p = 0.003). In adults, this correlated independently with constipation symptoms (OR 3.18 [1.4-7.5], p = 0.008). HRQoL outcomes strongly correlated with functional outcome: 42% of children demonstrated clinically significant reductions in overall PedsQL score, and poor bowel outcome was strongly associated with impaired QOL (B = 22.7 [12.7- 32.7], p < 0.001). In adults, GIQLI scores were more often impacted in patients with extended segment disease. SF-36 scores were reduced relative to population level data in most domains, with large effect sizes noted for females in General Health (g = 1.19) and Social Wellbeing (g = 0.8). Conclusion: Functional impairment is common after pull-through, but bowel function improves with age. Clustering of poor functional outcomes across multiple domains identifies a need for early recognition and long-term support for these patients. (C) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Peer reviewe

The VASCERN-VASCA working group diagnostic and management pathways for lymphatic malformations

Lymphatic malformations (LMs) are developmental defects of lymphatic vessels. LMs are histologically benign lesions, however, due to localization, size, and unexpected swelling, they may cause serious complications that threaten vital functions such as compression of the airways. A large swelling of the face or neck may also be disfiguring and thus constitute a psychological strain for patients and their families. LMs are also highly immunologically reactive, and are prone to recurrent infections and inflammation causing pain as well as chronic oozing wounds.The European Reference Network on Rare Multisystemic Vascular Diseases (VASCERN) is dedicated to gathering the best expertise in Europe. There are only few available guidelines on management and follow up of LMs, which commonly focus on very specific situations, such as head and neck LM (Zhou et al., 2011). It is still unclear, what constitutes an indication for treatment of LMs and how to follow up the patients. The Vascular Anomalies Working Group (VASCA-WG) of VASCERN decided to develop a diagnostic and management pathway for the management of LMs with a Nominal Group Technique (NGT), a well-established, structured, multistep, facilitated group meeting technique used to generate consensus statements. The pathway was drawn following 2 face-to-face meetings and multiple web meetings to facilitate discussion, and by mail to avoid the influence of most authoritative members.The VASCA-WG has produced this opinion statement reflecting strategies developed by experts and patient representatives on how to approach patients with lymphatic malformations in a practical manner; we present an algorithmic view of the results of our work.Peer reviewe

The VASCERN-VASCA Working Group Diagnostic and Management Pathways for Venous Malformations.

UNLABELLED To elaborate expert consensus patient pathways to guide patients and physicians toward efficient diagnostics and management of patients with venous malformations. METHODS VASCERN-VASCA (https://vascern.eu/) is a European network of multidisciplinary centers for Vascular Anomalies. The Nominal Group Technique was used to establish the pathways. Two facilitators were identified: one to propose initial discussion points and draw the pathways, and another to chair the discussion. A dermatologist (AD) was chosen as first facilitator due to her specific clinical and research experience. The draft was subsequently discussed within VASCERN-VASCA monthly virtual meetings and annual face-to-face meetings. RESULTS The Pathway starts from the clinical suspicion of a venous type malformation (VM) and lists the clinical characteristics to look for to support this suspicion. Strategies for subsequent imaging and histopathology are suggested. These aim to inform on the diagnosis and to separate the patients into 4 subtypes: (1) sporadic single VMs or (2) multifocal, (3) familial, multifocal, and (4) combined and/or syndromic VMs. The management of each type is detailed in subsequent pages of the pathway, which are color coded to identify sections on (1) clinical evaluations, (2) investigations, (3) treatments, and (4) associated genes. Actions relevant to all types are marked in separate boxes, including when imaging is recommended. When definite diagnoses have been reached, the pathway also points toward disease-specific additional investigations and recommendations for follow up. Options for management are discussed for each subtype, including conservative and invasive treatments, as well as novel molecular therapies. CONCLUSION The collaborative efforts of VASCERN-VASCA, a network of the 9 Expert Centers, has led to a consensus Diagnostic and Management Pathways for VMs to assist clinicians and patients. It also emphasizes the role of multidisciplinary expert centers in the management of VM patients. This pathway will become available on the VASCERN website (http://vascern.eu/)

The VASCERN-VASCA working group diagnostic and management pathways for severe and/or rare infantile hemangiomas

The European Reference Network on Rare Multisystemic Vascular Diseases (VASCERN), is dedicated to gathering the best expertise in Europe and provide accessible cross-border healthcare to patients with rare vascular dis-eases. Infantile Hemangiomas (IH) are benign vascular tumors of infancy that rapidly growth in the first weeks of life, followed by stabilization and spontaneous regression. In rare cases the extent, the localization or the number of lesions may cause severe complications that need specific and careful management. Severe IH may be life-threatening due to airway obstruction, liver or cardiac failure or may harbor a risk of functional impairment, severe pain, and/or significant and permanent disfigurement. Rare IHs include syndromic variants associated with extracutaneous abnormalities (PHACE and LUMBAR syndromes), and large segmental hemangiomas. There are publications that focus on evidence-based medicine on propranolol treatment for IH and consensus state -ments on the management of rare infantile hemangiomas mostly focused on PHACES syndrome. The Vascular Anomalies Working Group (VASCA-WG) decided to develop a diagnostic and management pathway for severe and rare IHs with a Nominal Group Technique (NGT), a well-established, structured, multistep, facilitated group meeting technique used to generate consensus statements. The pathway was drawn following two face-to-facePeer reviewe