Perineal canal

Perineal canal (PC) is a rare anomaly constituting 4% of all anorectal malformations. Sixty patients (56 females and 4 males) with PC managed over the past 27 years are reported. The ages ranged from 2 days to 13 years. The chief symptom was passage of fecal matter through both the anus and the fistula. One girl had undergone previous, unsuccessful surgery. All our patients were treated by anterior sagittal anorectoplasty (ASARP), which allowed anatomic exposure and accurate repair of the anomaly. In 49 patients without any perineal inflammation primary ASARP was undertaken. Surgery was delayed in 11 patients with perineal excoriations and/or active inflammation. One patient died post-operatively due to unrelated causes and 1 developed a recurrence. Anal dilation was required in 7 cases. Fifty patients were seen at first follow-up 12 weeks after surgery. All were continent and had normal defecation without the use of laxatives. Thirty-four could be followed up to the age of 3 years; they were continent with normal bowel habits. There was no shift in the position of the anus and no instance of rectal dilation. Individualization of the management and operation by the anterior sagittal approach thus offers good results in this uncommon anorectal anomaly.