Assessment of the Heineke-Mikulicz anoplasty for skin level postoperative anal strictures and congenital anal stenosis

J Pediatr Surg. 2019 Jan;54(1):118-122. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2018.10.006. Epub 2018 Oct 5.

Abstract

Introduction: Acquired skin-level strictures following posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) and some rare cases of congenital anal stenosis can be managed using a Heineke-Mikulicz like anoplasty (HMA). We hypothesized that this procedure was an effective, safe, and durable outpatient procedure in select patients.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent HMA for skin level strictures following PSARP or for certain congenital anal stenoses from 2014 to 2017.

Results: Twenty-eight patients (19 males, 9 females) with a mean age of 5.8 years (range 0.5-24.4) underwent HMA. Twenty-six had a prior PSARP, of which 18 were redo, and 8 were primary procedures. Two patients had congenital skin level anal stenosis. The mean follow up was 1.0 years (range 0.4-2.9). The average preprocedure anal size was Hegar 8, which after HMA increased 8 Hegar sizes to 16 (95% CI 7-9, p < 0.001). There were no operative complications. One patient restenosed and required a secondary procedure.

Conclusion: HMA is a safe procedure for skin-level anal strictures following PSARP (primary and redo) and can also be used in some rare cases of congenital anal stenosis. Long-term follow up to determine the restricture rate is ongoing. A plan to do an HMA if a stricture develops may offer an alternative to routine anal dilations, particularly after a redo PSARP in an older child.

Type of study: Case series.

Level of evidence: Level IV.

Keywords: Anal stricture; Anoplasty; Anorectal malformation; Congenital anal stenosis; Heineke–Mikulicz; Posterior sagittal anorectoplasty; Stricturoplasty.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anal Canal / pathology
  • Anal Canal / surgery*
  • Anorectal Malformations / surgery*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Constriction, Pathologic / etiology
  • Constriction, Pathologic / surgery*
  • Digestive System Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods*
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery
  • Rectum / pathology
  • Rectum / surgery
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult