Suction Rectal Biopsy is Accurate in Late Preterm Infants with Suspected Hirschsprung Disease.

Background: Few data are available to substantiate the dogma commonly held by pediatric surgeons and pediatric pathologists that rectal biopsies may be inaccurate or risky in preterm neonates. We aimed to address these concerns.

Methods: We performed a single-institution retrospective review of patients who underwent suction rectal biopsies at <37 weeks corrected age from 2009 to 2018.

Does Hirschsprung-Associated Enterocolitis Differ in Children With and Without Down Syndrome?

Background: Children with Hirschsprung disease (HD) and Down syndrome (DS) are reported to experience a higher incidence of Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) than those without DS, although whether their individual episodes are more severe is unknown.

Methods: A single-institution retrospective cohort study was performed on all patients with HD admitted with HAEC between 2009 and 2017. Patients were divided into two groups based on an associated diagnosis of DS, and demographics, clinical characteristics at presentation, and clinical outcomes were compared.

Anal sphincter botulinum toxin injection in children with functional anorectal and colonic disorders: A large institutional study and review of the literature focusing on complications.

Background And Aim: Botulinum toxin (botox) is a commonly used treatment for functional anorectal and colonic disorders. Although generally regarded as safe, complications associated with botox injection into the anal sphincters in children with severe defecation disorders are not well described. We aimed to review our institutional experience and the existing literature to better understand the safety of this practice.