title: Neonatal colon perforation due to anorectal malformations: can it be avoided?
abstract: Anorectal malformations (ARM) are common anomalies in neonates. Diagnostic and therapeutic delays in the management of ARM may lead to colonic perforation, and even death. Physical examination of the perineum is often sufficient to diagnose ARM in neonates. Notwithstanding, delayed diagnosis of ARM has become increasingly familiar to surgeons, as evidenced by the number of recent publications on this topic in the literature. In this commentary, we discuss spontaneous colonic perforation due to delayed diagnosis of ARM in neonates, and highlight the importance of early diagnosis in assuring good outcomes with surgical management. At this point, a thorough examination of the perineum during the initial newborn assessment is mandatory, particularly in those patients presenting with abdominal signs or symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Gastric and Colorectal Division, Department of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China. tongweidong@gmail.com
authors.forename: Wei-Dong
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Tong
authors.forename: Kirk A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Ludwig
mesh_terms: D000071056:Anorectal Malformations; D001006:Anus, Imperforate / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D003106:Colon / Q000293:injuries*; D003107:Colorectal Surgery; D057210:Delayed Diagnosis / Q000009:adverse effects; D019468:Disease Management; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000209:etiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Anorectal malformation; Bowel perforation; Colon; Imperforate anus