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In this report, we describe the most recent refinements to the anterior perineal approach originally described by Mollard for the repair of high and intermediate forms of imperforate anus. A skin tube is constructed from perineal skin, passed through the center of the external sphincter, and anastomosed to the fully preserved rectum with or without tapering. The anastomosis lies within the puborectalis sling and is anchored to the striated muscle complex. Sixteen patients have been operated on by this technique with excellent anatomic results in 15 patients and excellent early functional results in patients who are 2 years of age or older.

Nine patients ranging in age from 3 mo to 15 yr presented with severe constipation and/or increasing incontinence. All had a huge, dilated atonic rectum and rectosigmoid demonstrated by barium enema. Six patients underwent resection of the abnormal bowel by an endorectal pull-through procedure with good to excellent results while 1 patient was corrected by a Swenson procedure.

A large perirectal mucocele developed in a child over an 11-year period following repair of an imperforate anus. Renal failure and large bowel obstruction secondary to compression by the mass were the presenting symptoms. Computed tomographic evaluation of the pelvis was critical for preoperative assessment of this previously unreported complication of imperforate anus repair.