This is a national, multicenter ambispective (retro-prospective) longitudinal cohort study. The study includes patients who underwent surgical correction between 2020 and 2027.
Data collected prior to study activation (2020-study start date) will be analyzed retrospectively from medical records, while patients enrolled after study activation will be followed prospectively with annual assessments until achievement of fecal continence or up to 6 years of age, whichever occurs first.
Anorectal malformations (ARM) are rare congenital anomalies requiring complex reconstructive surgery. Posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) remains the gold standard; however, alternative techniques such as anterior sagittal anorectoplasty (ASARP) and transanal proctoplasty (TAP) are increasingly adopted.
This study aims to compare surgical techniques in terms of:
Fecal continence (Krickenbeck score)
Postoperative complications (Clavien-Madadi classification)
Quality of life (HAQL questionnaire)
Constipation and bowel management requirements
Time to continence achievement
Patients will be followed annually until 6 years of age or until continence is reached, whichever occurs first.
