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©2013 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Jul 7, 2013; 19(25): 3915-3917
Published online Jul 7, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i25.3915
Published online Jul 7, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i25.3915
Neonatal colon perforation due to anorectal malformations: Can it be avoided?
Wei-Dong Tong, Gastric and Colorectal Division, Department of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
Kirk A Ludwig, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
Author contributions: Tong WD collected the materials and wrote the manuscript; Ludwig KA supervised the publication of this commentary.
Supported by The National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 81270461/ H0307; Ministry of Education of China, No. 201200356; and Third Military Medical University, No. 2011XHG08
Correspondence to: Wei-Dong Tong, MD, PhD, Gastric and Colorectal Division, Department of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, No. 10 Changjiang Zhi Lu, Daping, Chongqing 400042, China. tongweidong@gmail.com
Telephone: +86-23-68757957 Fax: +86-23-68813806
Received: February 19, 2013
Revised: April 10, 2013
Accepted: April 17, 2013
Published online: July 7, 2013
Revised: April 10, 2013
Accepted: April 17, 2013
Published online: July 7, 2013
Core Tip
Core tip: Anorectal malformations (ARM) are common anomalies observed in neonates. The delay in diagnosing a neonate with ARM results in significant complications, occasionally life-threatening morbidity, such as colon perforations. However, delayed diagnosis of ARM seems not the unique factor leading to colonic perforation, deficiency of musculature in the gut wall may also contribute. Colonic perforation due to ARM may not be avoided completely; however, early diagnosis is essential in assuring better outcomes with surgical management.