Bowel function and associated risk factors at preschool and early childhood age in children with anorectal malformation type rectovestibular fistula: An ARM-Net consortium study

Multi-center study of 111 girls with rectovestibular fistula ARM shows 55% have below-normal bowel function at age 4-7, with most experiencing soiling and constipation. Tethered cord, sacral anomalies, and low sacral ratio predict poor outcomes and need for bowel management in nearly one-quarter of patients.