Abstract
BACKGROUND: Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are among the predominant birth anomalies seen in pediatric surgery. AIMS: The aim of the study was to create a detailed comparison of short-term (3-6 months) outcomes in female patients having rectovestibular fistula (RVF) operated through a single stage by both techniques, posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) versus anterior sagittal anorectoplasty (ASARP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our prospective cohort study involved 36 females whose ages fell between 3 and 12 months and who developed congenital ARM in RVF or rectoperineal fistula. Participants went through an equal random categorization into two groups: Group 1: patients with RVF or rectoperineal fistula who underwent single-staged PSARP and Group 2: patients with RVF or rectoperineal fistula who underwent single-staged ASARP. RESULTS: There was a notable association between the incidence of wound infection and the hospital stay period, as with total parenteral nutrition (TPN) duration and the start of enteral feeding. 7 (63.4%) patients developed dehiscent wounds, and their hospital stay was significantly longer as opposed to the others with (P < 0.001). Wound infection was significantly associated with longer TPN duration among infected wounds compared to another group (P < 0.001). Wound dehiscence was significantly associated with wound infection among both groups (P = 0.025 and P = 0.002). Hospitalization was significantly prolonged between the two groups, with the PSARP group longer than ASARP (P = 0.003 and P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: ASARP may be a better option in low-resource settings, as it is associated with shorter hospital stays, fewer wound infections, and fewer complications than PSARP. Patients who underwent PSARP experienced more extended hospital stays, more infections, and longer TPN durations.