Quality of Life in Children With Anorectal Malformations After Surgery: An Observational Study Publisher



Nakhjiri MT ; Shahmansouri N ; Shariat M ; Varnosfaderani AG ; Adel MG
Source: Innovative Journal of Pediatrics Published:2026

Abstract

Background: Anorectal malformations are congenital defects of the anus and rectum that require surgery as the first treatment option. Comorbidities and postoperative complications may alter patients' health and affect their quality of life. Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to assess parent-reported quality of life (QOL) in children who had undergone surgery for anorectal malformations (ARMs). Methods: All children aged 6 - 12 years who had undergone surgery for ARMs between 2012 and 2023 at Children's Medical Center were included. Patient demographic data were extracted from hospital records. Parents completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 4.0 questionnaire by telephone. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 26. Results: The mean age of the participants during the study period was 8.63 ± 1.69 years. The mean age at surgery was 8.87 ± 14.5 months. The average hospital length of stay was 11.24 ± 5.57 days. The mean total QOL score was 92.65 out of 100. The mean physical, emotional, social, and school subdomain scores were 97.09, 87.07, 94.46, and 89.35 out of 100, respectively. Father's education was related to the emotional component of children's QOL. Conclusions: We concluded that older children with ARMs had higher social QOL scores. Children who underwent surgery later in infancy had better emotional QOL scores in the years after surgery. © 2026 Brieflands. All rights reserved.