String placement and progressive dilatations in the management of high membranous rectal atresia.
A newborn with rectal atresia underwent a sigmoid colostomy followed by fluoroscopic placement of a string across the membrane. Progressive dilatations were done until normalization of the rectal canal occurred at 4 months. At 6 months, the colostomy was closed. Although moderate sigmoid dilatation persisted initially, the boy is now developing well and has a normal stooling pattern 3 years following the last procedure. The technique demonstrates the feasibility of high rectal-membrane management without excision.
D002675:Child, Preschool; D004106:Dilatation / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D012007:Rectum / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery