Anorectal malformations

Document Type

Book Chapter

Edition

1

ISBN

9780429089404

Editor

John F. Pohl, Christopher Jolley, Daniel Gelfond

Publication (Name of Journal)

Pediatric gastroenterology: A color handbook

Department

Paediatric Surgery

Publisher

CRC Press

City

London

Abstract

Anorectal malformations (ARM) encompass a class of congenital malformations that range from minor defects to severe defects that can lead to lifelong bowel management difficulties. ARM is a relatively frequent abnormality of hindgut development with an estimated incidence of 1 in 2500 live births. Often ARM patients have associated anomalies. Genitourinary tract defects including vesicoureteral reflux which can occur in up to 60% of patients. When initially faced with a newborn with an anorectal anomaly, it is often best to wait 24 hours to determine the type of anomaly and therefore the type of treatment needed. The diagnostic work-up includes an abdominal radiograph, placement of a nasogastric tube, echocardiogram to rule out cardiac disease, a renal ultrasound, a spinal ultrasound, and a radiograph of the entire spine including the sacrum. Classically rectourethral fistulas are both treated with a colostomy in the first few days of life at the junction of the descending colon and sigmoid colon.

Comments

This work was published before the author joined Aga Khan University.

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