Clinical Research Directory

Outcomes in ARMs: Comparison Between Surgical Techniques in Patients With Perineal or Vestibular Fistula - a Multicenter Italian Study

This is a national, multicenter, retro-prospective longitudinal cohort study evaluating mid- and long-term outcomes of different surgical techniques used for the correction of anorectal malformations (ARM) with perineal or vestibular fistula. Patients undergoing surgical correction between 2020 and 2027 will be included. Functional outcomes, particularly fecal continence assessed using the Krickenbeck score, will be evaluated at 3 and 6 years post-surgery or until continence is achieved.

Baylor Continence Scale Validity in Anorectal Malformation

The aim of this study is to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Baylor Continence Scale in Turkish-speaking children diagnosed with anorectal malformations. The scale is used to assess continence levels, helping healthcare providers make informed decisions regarding treatment and follow-up. The study includes a sample of children with confirmed anorectal malformations, and data collection consists of language adaptation, statistical validation, and reliability testing. Results will contribute to the standardization of continence assessment in Turkish clinical settings, ensuring accurate evaluations for pediatric patients.

Effectiveness of Electrical Stimulation and Biofeedback on Fecal Incontinence in Children With Repaired Anorectal Malformation

This study aimed to investigate and compare the effect of electrical stimulation and biofeedback with electrical stimulation alone on fecal incontinence in children with repaired imperforate anus, with ages from 6 to 10 years.

Long-term Qualitative and Quantitative Outcomes of Children With Hirschsprung's Disease and Anorectal Malformations

Approximately 340 babies are born with Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) or an anorectal malformation (ARM) per year in the UK. Most require corrective surgery in the newborn or early infancy period. In both conditions, there is both variability in the severity of the condition and the type of operative technique used. Many children do well following surgery and have good continence in later life. However a significant proportion of children suffer from a lifetime of constipation or incontinence. This has a significant impact on their social and psychological welfare and is a significant burden on healthcare resources. Due to the variation in practice, there are limited data on long-term outcomes following surgery for children with HSCR or ARMs. Where studies have been performed, they often include small numbers, non-standardised outcome measures and short follow-up periods. It is therefore difficult to ascertain the effectiveness of different management strategies. However, a recent Delphi process has been carried out to establish 10 core measures in HSCR to improve outcome reporting. This research group has a long track record in this research area, specifically in the determination of long-term outcomes of children with HSCR, leading to well cited papers within the literature. In the last 2 decades there has been a significant change in the surgical techniques used in HSCR, however the underlying evidence base for this is still lacking. This study seeks to follow-on from previous studies looking specifically at the long-term outcomes in children with HSCR. Furthermore, the aim is to widen the study to encompass all children treated at Alder Hey and also to use the same methodology to assess long-term outcomes for children with ARMs, as both groups of patients experience similar long term morbidity. This will provide qualitative and quantitative data aiding counselling parents of children with HSCR/ARM.