First trimester lower abdominal cysts as early predictor of anorectal malformations.

Introduction: Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of anorectal malformations (ARMs) is challenging and often missed as direct visualization of the anal sphincter is not routinely performed, plus the technique is operator-dependent and inaccurate, also in expert hands. Other indirect signs, such as rectosigmoid overdistension or intraluminal calcifications, are occasionally present in late pregnancy. The detection of a cyst of the lower abdomen in the first trimester may be an early sign of ARM.

Ulcerative Colitis of the Neovagina in a Toddler with Cloaca and Chronic Kidney Disease.

The case of a toddler with long-channel cloaca, mild chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to renal dysplasia, and early onset of ulcerative colitis (UC) is herein reported. The patient underwent definitive repair of cloaca, that included vaginal elongation with colon, at 5 months of age and was admitted for episodes of vaginal bleeding at 22 months of age. A vaginoscopy revealed a severe inflammation of the colonic neovagina.

Gynecological and psycho-sexual aspects of women with history of anorectal malformations.

Purpose: Women with anorectal malformation (ARM) are expected to have a normal life span, therefore, gynecological and psycho-sexual issues are also important. Aim of the study was to assess these aspects in adult females with history of ARM.

Methods: Thirty-seven women from two ARM referral centers, aged ≥ 16, were identified.

Should the search for ganglia in the distal rectal fistula in patients with anorectal malformation be abandoned?

Purpose: Occurrence of Hirschsprung's disease in anorectal malformation (ARM) patients is rare, but many surgeons still ask to pathologists to search for ganglia in the terminal rectum/fistula; the histological procedure is time and money consuming and the results confounding. A consecutive series of ARM patients, in which the presence of ganglia in terminal rectum was revised, is herein presented.

Materials And Methods: Rectal specimens of ARM patients who underwent corrective surgery in the last 6 years were retrieved.

Meckel's diverticulum and bowel obstruction due to phytobezoar: a case report.

Meckel's diverticulum is a common anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract. The most common complications of Meckel's diverticulum are inflammation, bleeding and obstruction. We present a 12-year-old boy with bowel obstruction due to phytobezoar in a Meckel's diverticulum.

Cadaver kidney transplantation and vascular anomalies: a pediatric experience.

Background: The incidence of donor kidneys with vascular anomalies ranges from 18% to 30%; such kidneys are usually at increased risk of vascular and urological complications. The aim of this study was to determine whether the use of cadaver kidneys with vascular anomalies would adversely affect posttransplant graft and patient outcome.

Methods: From October 1987 to January 2004, 241 patients underwent kidney transplantation in our pediatric surgery department.