Suspension Sutures Facilitate Single Incision Laparoscopic-Assisted Rectal Pull-Through for Hirschsprung Disease

BackgroundTo present the surgical technique and long-term follow-up outcomes of single incision laparoscopic-assisted endorectal pull-through (SILEP) with suspension sutures using conventional instruments for Hirschsprung disease. MethodsThe procedure began with a 1cm transumbilical skin incision. Three separate punctures were made onto the fascia for a 5mm scope in the middle, a 5mm and 3mm ports for working instruments on the left and right, respectively. The first suspension suture was performed to secure the sigmoid colon to the abdominal wall. A window was created through the rectal mesentery, and dissection around the rectum was carried out. The second suspension suture was performed to suspense the rectovesical peritoneal fold or the rectovaginal peritoneal fold to the abdominal wall. Dissection around the rectum was continued downward to approximately 1cm below the peritoneal fold. The operation was completed by a transanal approach. Results40 patients underwent SILEP from March 2013 to April 2015. The median age was 2.7 months (ranged from 14 days to17 months). The mean operative time was 94.7 ± 20 minutes. No conversion to open operation was required. Mean hospital stay was 4.1±1.3 days. There were no intraoperative or perioperative complications. Long term follow-up results were obtained in 38 patients. The number of defecation from 1-2 times per day was noted in 36 patients (94.7%) and from 3-4 times per day in 2 patients (5.2%). Two patients had enterocolitis (5.2%).ConclusionSingle site laparoscopic rectal pull-through with suspension sutures using conventional instruments is feasible and safe for Hirschsprung disease with good long-term outcomes.