OBJECTIVETo explore the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of children with persistent cloaca.

METHODSClinical data of 26 female children with high type persistent cloaca undergoing operation in the Capital Pediatric Institution between November 2005 and February 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Mean age of these children was (1.4±1.6) years old. Distal end of rectum locating in the superior border of pubis was the standard of diagnosis. Laparoscopy-assisted anorectoplasty (LAARP), vaginoplasty and urethroplasty were performed in 17 cases (LAARP group), including 3-port laparoscopy in 12 cases and single-port laparoscopy in 5 cases. Abdominoperineal pull through (APPT), vaginoplasty and urethroplasty were performed in the other 9 cases (APPT group). Sacral ratio (SR), length of common channel, intraoperative blood loss, operation time, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative complications and bowel function were compared between two groups. Postoperative defecation was evaluated by the Krickenbeck standard.

RESULTSOperations were successfully performed in all patients and no case in LAARP group was transferred to open abdominal operation. There were no significant differences in SR value, length of common channel and age at operation between the two groups. As compared to APPT group, the mean operative time was shorter [(124.1±4.9) minutes vs. (131.8±3.2) minutes, P=0.000], the intraoperative blood loss was less [(10.5±2.1) ml vs. (16.2±2.7) ml, P=0.000], and the postoperative hospital stay was shorter [(5.7±0.5) days vs. (9.2±0.4) days, P=0.000] in LAARP group. In LAARP group, there were no significant differences in operation time, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative hospital stay between 3-port and single-port laparoscopic surgery (all P>0.05). The mean follow-up period was (4.0±2.8) months in LAARP group and (6.0±2.3) months of APPT group. There is one case have wound infection in ARRT patients. The rates of voluntary bowel movement, soiling, constipation (grade 1, 2, 3) were similar in both groups, however, the overall bowel function after LAARP was better than that of ARRT according to the Krickenbeck classification (10.7±0.2 vs. 9.7±1.2, P=0.047). Postoperative rectal mucosa prolapse was found in 2 cases of LAARP group and 1 case in APPT group. One case of APPT group developed wound infection. No urethrovaginal fistula relapse, anal stenosis or urethral stricture was found in all the cases.

CONCLUSIONSThe LAARP is safe and feasible in the treatment of persistent cloaca.