Here's an idea of what a surgery timeline for IA could be:
Beyond being told that my son needed surgeries... I had to keep probing for the "overall plan". Every child's needs are different and surgeons have different plans, but for us our guideline was:
- Colostomy within 2 days of birth
- Within first week or two of life - Testing for possible related anomalies including ultrasounds for kidneys and spine, echo cardiogram, genetics blood testing, urology exam/testing
- Approx. 3-5 months old (with appropriate growth) - Pull-through Surgery (LAARP or PSARP) This operation generally takes 3-5 hours, with a post-operative stay of 5-7
days. - Following Pull-through surgery, begin anal dilations. Twice daily until next surgery. Continue for a few months after next surgery when stooling out of new rectum occurs.
- Approx. 6 months old - MRI of spine, vertebrae and sacrum to check for tethered cord and confirm any concerns from the earlier ultrasound
- Approx. 6-8 months old - Colostomy Reversal Surgery - This operation usually requires a stay of 5-6 days.Throughout this stay, baby will start passing stool through
the new rectum for the first time and they will be frequent and loose. During this time, they are susceptible to severe diaper rash and good bottom care is required with the use of a skin barrier cream. - Continue anal dilations for 6-8 weeks, begin rash care on bottom, adjust diet as needed
- 2-3 years old - Begin potty training, adjust diet and medications (if needed) to control bowels if needed
My Son's Surgical Timeline
8/6/12 BORN via induction at 37 weeks
8/7/12 Double Barrel Colostomy - Surgery
8/11/12 Revision of Mucus Fistula - Surgery
8/12/12 PICC Insertion - Procedure
12/17/12 LAARP - Laparoscopic Pull-Through Procedure - Surgery
8/7/12 Double Barrel Colostomy - Surgery
8/11/12 Revision of Mucus Fistula - Surgery
8/12/12 PICC Insertion - Procedure
12/17/12 LAARP - Laparoscopic Pull-Through Procedure - Surgery