Congenital Anorectal Malformations

Congenital anorectal malformations (ARM) in children are still a big challenge for a pediatric surgeon and create serious problems for patients throughout their lives. In recent decades, in parallel with the development of general medicine, mortality has significantly decreased after ARM correction, but chronic constipation, fecal incontinence, urinary incontinence and sexual problems worsen the quality of life of these patients, as before. Over the past 30 years, new research has emerged on the normal physiology of the anorectal and urinary system. They help to understand the pathological physiology of the ARM and give a chance to preserve those elements of the pelvic floor that were originally in these children. In other words, it became possible to preserve all the sphincters and all the reflexes that provide the functions of retaining feces and defecation, as in healthy individuals. This book is intended to systematize the knowledge needed to improve treatment for patients with ARM. The book provides a theoretical justification for new methods of examination and treatment of children with ARM.