Aim: To assess the effectiveness of posterior sagittal anorectplasty for the repair of anorectal malformations in terms of postoperative complications and functional outcomes.

Study design: Descriptive prospective study.

Place and duration of study: Sahiwal Teaching Hospital, Sahiwal. From 1st January 2016 to 31st December 2019.

Methodology: Forty-two children with high/intermediate anorectal malformations, who underwent posterior sagittal anorectoplasty, were included in the study. Patients with low variety anorectal malformations, recto vestibular/ano vestibular fistula, persistent cloaca and patients with sacral dysraphism, spinal dysraphism, myelomeningocele spina bifida occulta and menifesta were excluded. Demographic information included age, gender, weight, type of anorectal malformation, type of surgery performed, operation time and hospital stay. Immediate post-operative complications were also noted. Bowel habits, constipation and faecal incontinence were evaluated in all patients during the follow up period.

Results: Thirty-one (73.80%) were males and 11(26.19%) were females and mean age was 1.72 years. The mean weight at the time of operation was 11.00 kg. High variety anorectal malformations were 14(33.33%) and intermediate were 28(66.66%). Rectourethral fistula 25(59.52%) was most common variety seen in males. Recto bulber urethral fistula in 17(40.47%) and recto prostatic urethral fistula in 8(19.04%) patients were seen. Anal agenesis without fistula 7(16.66%) was most common anomaly in females. Overall complication rate was 15(35.71%). Constipation 11(26.19%) was most common post-operative complication. True fecal incontinence was seen in 3(7.14%) patients. Strong and effective squeeze of anal sphincter was seen in 39 (92.85%) patients and satisfactory bowel habits were present in 37 (88.08%) patients.

Conclusion: Posterior sagittal anorectplasty is a useful procedure in the management of high/intermediate anorectal malformations, precise identification and reconstruction of muscle complex result in good anatomical and functional outcome. Immediate post-operative complication rate is also low.

Keywords: Anorectal malformations, Posterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty, Postoperative complications, Functional outcomes