Objective: To evaluate the post-operative and long-term outcomes of patients with anorectal malformations (ARMs).

Materials and Methods: The clinical and demographic data of patients who underwent surgery for ARM between June 1996 and December 2011 were retrieved from the hospital records. Anorectal functions of patients aged >4 years were examined according to the Krickenbeck criteria. Patients were examined according to gender, birth weight, the type of ARM as per the Wingspread classification, accompanying anomalies, surgical procedures and complications.

Results: Out of 96 patients, 67 were male, and the type of ARM as per the Wingspread classification and gender distribution (M/F) was as follows: high type, 41 (28/13) (43%); intermediate type, 10 (4/6) (10.5%) and low type, 45 (35/10) (46.5%). Distribution by birth weight was as follows: of the total, 19 (19.8%) patients were <1800 grams, 47 (49%) were between 1800 and 2500 grams and 30 (31.2%) were ≥2500 grams. Mortality was significantly higher with comorbid anomalies of the gastrointestinal tract (p=0.036). The most common complication was dermatitis. Statistically significant correlations were found between the types of ARM and faecal soiling (FS) and constipation (p=0.001). There was a statistically significant correlation between mortality and the presence of high-type ARM (p=0.012).

Conclusions: Comorbid anomalies that cause high mortality in high and intermediate type should be carefully examined, and these anomalies should be considered in the treatment and follow-up. Despite medical and surgical advances, stool incontinence, FS and constipation continue to be major problems in patients with high- and intermediate-type ARMs.