SOC
Surgery on Children

Surgery on Children Journal aims to publish issues related to Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Neurosurgery, Pediatric Plastic Surgery, Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery, Pediatric Vascular Surgery, Pediatric Gynecology and Obstetrics, Pediatric Ear Nose Throat, Ophthalmology, Pediatric Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Pediatric Urology, Pediatric Surgical Intensive Care Clinic, and other clinical surgery fields on children of the highest scientific and clinical value at an international level and accepts articles on these topics.

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Imperforate anus with recto penile fistula: surgical experience with anterior sagittal approach and systematic review of literature
Abstract
Imperforate anus with rectopenile fistula is a rare type of anorectal malformation that is associated with diagnostic and surgical complexities due to its infrequent occurrence. We herein revisit this rare anomaly highlighting the advantages with anterior sagittal approach along with systemic review of literature. Two cases of imperforate anus with recto penile fistula underwent staged repair through anterior sagittal approach. A systematic literature search was performed according to PRISMA guidelines for cases of ARM with fistulae to the penis. In the systematic review, search for cases of ARM with recto penile fistula, seven articles describing nine patients with ARM and fistula to the penis. The fistula tract appeared extending anterior in perineum till ventral aspect of penis. All patients had distal rectal pouch below ischial spine thus classifying this anomaly into low variety on invertogram. Three patterns of fistulae to the penis were recognized and most patients underwent staged repair with colostomy. Thus, present report unique where anterior sagittal approach appeared successful with its advantages for successful repair of this rare anomaly. The occurrence of a distal rectopenile fistula, although anatomically defined as a low anorectal malformation, is associated with considerable technical complexities. The anterior sagittal approach appears superior in dissection of the rectourethral plate, especially in cases of a distal penile fistula. The use of cystoscopic assistance in the lithotomy position is useful in obtaining clear anatomical definitions and ensures proper closure of the fistula without compromising urethral integrity.

Keywords : Imperforate anus, recto penile fistula, anterior sagittal approach

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Article available in :
Volume 3, Issue 3, 2026
Page : 88-93
https://doi.org/10.51271/SOC-0077
Article Information
Received : 30 May 2026
Accepted : 17 Tem 2026
Published : 29 Tem 2026
Corresponding Author :

Vipul Gupta: Department of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Urology Al Jalila Children Hospital, Dubai

[email protected]
Citation : Mohammad D, Jaber G, Al Marzouqi M, Mohammed DA, Gupta V. Imperforate anus with rectopenile fistula: surgical experience with anterior sagittal approach and structured literature review. Surg Child. 2026;3(3):88-93. doi:10.51271/SOC-0077

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