Nineteen retrospective studies were included (n=161).
Morbidity
The mean overall morbidity rate was 44 per cent +/- 32.9 per cent (18 studies). Event rates and heterogeneity (I2) for each intervention were: for endorectal pull-through only 0.255 (95% CI: 0.142, 0.414, four studies, n=63, I2=73.9%); for ileocolostomy of the entire colon 0.327 (95% CI: 0.162, 0.549, two studies, n=24, I2=8.2%); for ileocolostomy of the left colon 0.637 (95% CI: 0.416, 0.812, five studies, n=41, I2=56.6%); for right colon patch 0.302 (95% CI: 0.143, 0.528, five studies, n=23, I2=0%); and for ileoanal pouch anastomosis 0.100 (95% CI: 0.014, 0.467, one study, n=10).
Other outcomes
Data for other outcomes were unsuitable for meta-analysis. Across all studies the mean mortality rate was 1.9 per cent (19 studies) and mean enterocolitis rate was 22.6 +/- 13.5 per cent (seven studies). Most children were continent with an average of three to five stools daily (19 studies). Complications of comparable severity were noted for all types of intervention, the most frequent complication being diarrhoea with or without perineal excoriation.