A population-based national study of the surgical outcomes of infants born with anorectal malformations.

Summary

This study will use BAPS-CASS to conduct a prospective, national observational study to investigate the incidence, presentation, and current management strategies for children born with anorectal malformation in the UK and Ireland. Eligible cases will be children in the UK with imperforate anus or absence or narrowing of the communication canal between the rectum and anus with or without fistula to neighbouring organs, newly diagnosed during the study perios, irrespective of age at presentation. Infants and children with other significant anomalies, eg oesophageal atresia will be included.

Selected Research Questions

• What is the current incidence of new cases of anorectal malformation in the UK and Ireland?

• How many patients present late (defined as having a diagnosis after the first 24 hours of life)?

• How are patients with anorectal malformation managed?

• What is the incidence of associated abnormalities in these patients?

• What are the adjusted outcomes for infants managed with the same abnormality managed with different surgical techniques?

• What factors are important in prognostication?