Modified Soave procedure for the treatment of vascular malformations involving anorectum and sigmoid colon

Purpose The objective of this study is to introduce a modified Soave procedure for the treatment of vascular malformations involving the anorectum and sigmoid colon (VMARS) in children. Methods Cases of 12 children with VMARS between 2000 and 2008 were reviewed and analyzed. The confirmed diagnosis was established by barium enema, colonoscopy, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. All the patients underwent a modified Soave procedure. In 11 patients, Sarasola-Klose hemorrhoidectomy was used for the distal part of endorectal dissection. Results The mean length of resected bowel was 22.5 cm, ranging from 17 to 28 cm. Histologically, the surgical specimens showed that the lesions were venous malformation. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. The patients had good continence with no rectal bleeding, but intermittent fecal soiling was noted in one case. Conclusions VMARS forms a unique subset of patients with vascular malformations who have rectal bleeding. The combination of Soave procedure and Sarasola-Klose hemorrhoidectomy is a safe and effective procedure for VMARS.