Neonatal Management

Abstract

Therapeutic decisions taken during the first 48 h of life in patients with anorectal malformations have very important implications for the baby's future. This chapter offers key elements to suspect and diagnose specific type of malformations and also to suspect and identify important associated defects that put the baby's life at risk during the first 48 h of life. The chapter is richly illustrated with pictures that show the most important external anatomic findings that will help the clinician to reach a correct diagnosis and offer the patient an optimal management. Errors in the management of anorectal malformation start at this stage of life. Our eyes only see what our mind suspects, and that is why the authors try to improve the reader's index of suspicion related to the presence of associated defects and specific types of defects.