The Positive Impact of a High-Fibre Diet and Adequate Fluid Intake on Surgical Outcomes After Posterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty

Purpose Posterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty (PSARP) is recognised as the primary surgical intervention for Anorectal Malformations (ARM). However, challenges persist in addressing post-operative incontinence and constipation. Sufficient fibre and fluid intake can mitigate surgical complications, which need to optimise the roles of these factors. This study aims to ascertain the influence of a high-fibre diet and adequate fluid intake on surgical outcomes after PSARP, focusing on voluntary bowel movement, incontinence, and constipation levels. Methods This retrospective observational analytical study encompassed 118 patients who underwent surgery at Ulin or Siaga Banjarmasin Hospital from 2018 to 2023. Data was collected using the Krickenbeck questionnaire to determine the surgical outcome, while the Semi-Quantitative-Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ) guided interviews were used to determine fibre and fluid intake. A logistic regression test determined odds Ratios (ORs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI). Results Most patients had satisfactory surgical outcomes, with 65 patients (55.08%) achieving this, followed by 41 patients (34.75%) with the best outcomes, and 12 patients (10.17%) with the poorest outcomes. Patients with deficit-fibre intake were 95.4% (Adj. OR = 0.046, 95%CI: 0.005–0.447, p = 0.008) significantly less likely to have an adequate surgical outcome compared to moderate-fibre intake, and the low-fibre intake group was 98.7% (Adj. OR = 0.013, 95%CI: 0.001–0.214, p = 0.002) less likely to have a satisfactory surgical outcome compared to those with moderate-fiber intake. The best surgical outcome occurred in 34.7% of the group with good fluid intake. Conclusion A high-fibre diet and adequate fluid intake positively affect surgical outcomes after Posterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty.