Does presence of a VACTERL anomaly predict an associated gynecologic anomaly in females with anorectal malformations?: A Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Learning Consortium Study.

Background: VACTERL association is defined by the presence of 3 or more anomalies in any of the following systems: vertebral, anorectal, cardiac, trachea-esophageal, renal, or limb. This study hypothesized that the presence of VACTERL association would correlate with an increased risk of gynecologic anomalies in patients with anorectal malformation (ARM).

Methods: This study is a cross-sectional, retrospective analysis from the prospectively collected, multicenter registry of the Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Learning Consortium (PCPLC).

The presence of a neurodiverse disorder is associated with increased use of antegrade enema therapy in children with severe constipation: A study from the Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Learning Consortium (PCPLC).

Introduction: Children with severe constipation and a neurodiverse disorder (Autism and/or developmental delay) represent a challenging bowel management group. Treatment outcomes with laxative or enema therapy remain limited and are often complicated by patient/caregiver compliance. We hypothesized that children with neurodiverse disorders and severe constipation would benefit from a bowel management program (BMP) that includes early use of antegrade enemas.

30-day postoperative outcomes of neonatal versus delayed anoplasty for perineal and vestibular fistulas.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the postoperative outcomes of neonatal versus delayed repair of rectoperineal and rectovestibular fistulae using a multi-center pediatric colorectal specific database. We hypothesized that the incidence of 30-day postoperative complications is not significantly different between these two surgical treatment strategies.

Methods: We performed a retrospective, observational study of the Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Learning Consortium (PCPLC) database.

Multi-institutional review of bowel management strategies in children with anorectal malformations.

Background/rationale: To describe current bowel management program (BMP) strategies in anorectal malformation (ARM) patients based on patient-level predictors using data from a multi-institutional consortium.

Materials/methods: Patient bowel function and BMP were reviewed from Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Learning Consortium (PCPLC) data. The PCPLC is comprised of multidisciplinary specialists researching colorectal and pelvic disorders.