Transanal Endorectal Pull-Through With or Without Laparoscopic Assistance

Hirschsprung’s disease requires surgical treatment. Depending on the form of aganglionosis and severity of pathology, open or minimally invasive, transanal endorectal pull-through with or without laparoscopic assistance may be used. The objective of the research was to study the efficiency of using transanal endorectal pull-through with and without laparoscopic assistance for treating Hirschsprung’s disease in children. We compared outcomes between approaches. Materials and Methods. Over the period 2011-2016, 145 children with Hirschsprung’s disease were surgically treated using transanal endorectal pull-through (n=81) and laparoscopic-assisted transanal endorectal pull-through (n=64). A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were carried out. Results. We noticed that transanal endorectal pull-through without laparoscopic assistance could be easily used in children under 4 years of age with aganglionosis including the sigmoid colon without significant colon dilatation considering a significant mesosigmoid mobility at such age. In other cases, we used laparoscopic-assisted transanal endorectal pull-through. The advantages of laparoscopic stage included the possibility for correct planning of surgical strategy, a thorough revision of the affected colon, determination of aganglionosis level, mobilization of the mesenterium, elimination of the adhesions and ligaments holding the colon, thereby avoiding tension in coloanal anastomosis, control and prevention of pull-through colon twisting which may cause an obstruction. In older patients, the proximal end of the rectum could be dissected laparoscopically. This allowed transanal endorectal pull-through to be performed quicker and safer. In the postoperative period, patients underwent rehabilitation with good functional results. Two children developed coloanal anastomotic dehiscence which was corrected by open stage treatment. Conclusions. Age-related and anatomical features of the colon in the patients with Hirschsprung’s disease allowed performing transanal endorectal pull-through with or without laparoscopic assistance. Significant dilation of the colon, aganglionosis above the sigmoid area and the patient’s age over 4 years were indications for performing transanal endorectal pull-through with laparoscopic assistance. In other cases, transanal endorectal pull-through could be performed without laparoscopic assistance. The laparoscopic-assisted transanal endorectal pull-through procedure turned to be a safe and feasible technique for patients with Hirschsprung’s disease.