Name of the Procedure:

Repair of Cloacal Anomaly by Anorectovaginoplasty and Urethroplasty, Combined Abdominal and Sacroperineal Approach; with Vaginal Lengthening by Intestinal Graft or Pedicle Flaps

Summary

This complex surgical procedure addresses congenital malformations where the rectum, vagina, and urethra fuse into a single common channel, known as a cloacal anomaly. It reconstructs the affected organs, provides separate passages for each, and lengthens the vagina using tissue grafts.

Purpose

The procedure corrects cloacal anomalies, ensuring proper formation and separation of the rectum, vagina, and urethra. It aims to restore normal physical function, improve quality of life, and prevent complications associated with the congenital defect.

Indications

• Patients with a diagnosed cloacal anomaly.
• Symptoms include persistent urinary or fecal incontinence, recurrent urinary tract infections, and abnormal vaginal appearance.
• Suitable for patients in good general health who can tolerate major surgery.

Preparation

• Patients may need fasting for at least 8 hours before surgery.
• Preoperative imaging studies such as MRI or ultrasound may be required.
• Blood tests and a thorough medical evaluation are typically conducted.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: The patient is given general anesthesia.
2. Incision: Incisions are made in the abdominal and sacroperineal regions.
3. Dissection: The fused canal is carefully separated into distinct urinary, vaginal, and rectal components.
4. Reconstruction: The urethra, vagina, and rectum are reconstructed, using the patient's own tissues or grafts from the intestine or pedicled flaps.
5. Vaginal Lengthening: The surgeon uses intestinal tissue or flaps to lengthen the vagina, improving function and appearance.
6. Closure: The incisions are sutured closed, and the area is carefully dressed.

Duration

The procedure typically takes between 6 to 12 hours, depending on the severity of the anomaly and the complexity of the reconstruction.

Setting

This surgery is performed in a hospital's surgical suite.

Personnel

• Pediatric or general surgeons specialized in complex reconstructive surgery.
• Anesthesiologists.
• Operating room nurses and surgical technicians.

Risks and Complications

• Common: Bleeding, infection, and pain at the surgical site.
• Rare: Injury to surrounding tissues, blood clots, anesthesia complications.
• Long-term: Potential for stricture formation, urinary or fecal incontinence, and the need for additional surgeries.

Benefits

• Restoration of separate anatomical passages for urine, feces, and vaginal secretions.
• Improved urinary and fecal continence.
• Enhanced sexual function and reduced risk of recurrent infections.
• Benefits are usually noticeable within weeks to months post-surgery.

Recovery

• Hospital stay of up to two weeks for initial recovery.
• Post-procedure care includes pain management, wound care, and gradual resumption of eating and physical activities.
• Recovery involves follow-up appointments to monitor healing and function.
• Full recovery may take several months, with progressive return to normal activities.

Alternatives

• Conservative management: Use of catheters and colostomies, though not a permanent solution.
• Other surgical approaches: Secondary or staged surgeries to address different components of the anomaly separately.
• Each alternative has its own benefits and limitations compared to a single comprehensive procedure.

Patient Experience

• Patients might experience discomfort and pain post-surgery, which can be managed with medications.
• Initially, mobility will be limited, and assistance will be needed for basic activities.
• Emotional and psychological support may be beneficial to help manage the stress of recovery.
• Long-term, patients can expect significant improvements in bodily functions and overall quality of life.