To assess the long-term outcome of surgery for anorectal malformations (ARM) from the patient's perspective. One hundred and sixty seven children were operated for ARM between 1982 and 2000. Disease impact questionnaires to assess both clinical and psychological outcomes were sent to 137 eligible families. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 11.5. The response rate was 61% (n=84). Sixty six percent had soiling. There was no significant difference in the incidence of soiling between genders or between the younger child and adolescent. Soiling was significantly increased in high (86%) and intermediate (79%) compared to low (43%) malformation (P=0.001). Constipation was seen in 62% and abdominal pain in 49%, with no significant difference between malformation levels. Overall, 71% had associated anomalies. Although 44% had a documented urological abnormality, clinical significant problems were seen in only 30%. Eighty percent of the children had one or more behavioural problems and 15% expressed suicidal thoughts. ARM had a negative impact on the social life of the child in 52% and on family functioning in 50%. Soiling (P=0.000), presence of associated anomalies (P=0.001), constipation (P=0.005), level of ARM (P=0.015) and abdominal pain (P=0.039) correlated significantly with psychosocial morbidity. Despite these findings, 62% of adolescents and 71% of children below 12 years with their parents reported above average global hopefulness score, remaining hopeful for the future. Children with ARM have ongoing physical and social morbidity, indicating the need for continuing multidisciplinary review and support to optimise their quality of life.

No abstract

Background Internal hernia (IH) represents a relatively common and well-known complication after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. IH after one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is less frequent and rarely reported in the literature. This study presents a series of IH after OAGB observed in a high-volume bariatric center. Methods Data of patients who underwent OAGB with an afferent limb of 150 cm between May 2010 and September 2019 were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. Data of patients undergoing surgery for IH during follow-up were collected and analyzed. Results Ninety-six patients out of 3368 with a history of OAGB had intestinal incarceration in the Petersen’s orifice (2.8%). Specificity and sensitivity of computed tomography scans in the diagnosis of IH were 59% and 76%, respectively. The mean timeframe between OAGB and surgery for IH was 21.9±18.3 months. Mean body mass index at the time of IH surgery was 24.7 ± 3.6. Surgery was completed laparoscopically in 96.8% of cases. Nine patients (9.3%) had signs of bowel hypovascularization. In all patients, the herniated bowel was repositioned, and the Petersen’s orifice was closed, without the need for bowel resection. Mean hospital stay was 1.9 ± 4.8 days. The postoperative morbidity rate was 8.3%. Long-term IH relapse was observed in 14 patients; signs of bowel hypovascularization due to incarceration in a small orifice was observed in eight of these patients (57%). Conclusions Incidence of IH after OAGB is 2.8%. IH is associated with a low rate of bowel ischemia and the need for intestinal resection.

No abstract