Recto-urethral fistulae are the most common finding in males born with an anorectal malformation (ARM). A high pressure distal colostogram is an important tool in visualizing the fistula, although the precise level at which the fistula communicates with the urethra may be difficult to interpret and is not reported in a uniform manner. This anatomy affects the surgical plan; determining the likelihood that the rectum is reachable via a posterior sagittal incision or better approached through the abdomen via laparoscopy or laparotomy helps counsel families and stratifies diagnoses for outcomes work. This work presents a figure used at Nationwide Children's Hospital to assist with correlating findings on the distal colostogram with the anatomic level of the recto-urethral fistula in males with anorectal malformations.
Visual abstract created by Alejandra M Casar Berazaluce, MD - Pediatric Surgery Research Fellow at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
