Healthcare Utilization and Comorbidities Associated with Anorectal Malformations in the United States.

Objective: To determine nationwide prevalence and healthcare utilization in children with anorectal malformations and associated anomalies over a 6-year period.

Study Design: We used the Kids' Inpatient Database for the years 2006, 2009, and 2012 for data collection. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes were used to identify patients with anorectal malformations and associated anomalies.

Trends of Cholecystectomies for Presumed Biliary Dyskinesia in Children in the United States.

Background: Biliary dyskinesia (BD) is a controversial clinical entity. Standardized diagnostic test and management guidelines are lacking in children. Published data suggest that long-term outcomes of surgical and medical management are similar.

Approach to a Child with Functional Abdominal Pain.

Functional abdominal pain (FAP) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) of childhood. Only a minority of patients with FAP seek medical attention, often presenting to the primary care physician while symptoms are still evolving. The bio-psychosocial model of treatment not only aims to alleviate the illness symptoms but also identifies and remedies the psychological comorbidities and social factors that contribute to illness behavior.