Incidence of associated congenital anomalies in anorectal malformations

The study was undertaken to review the incidence and types of associated congenital urogenital anomalies in patients with anorectal malformations (ARM) and compare the results with previously published world literature. Retrospective review was done of 220 cases of ARM, treated during May 2002 to April 2003. All patients routinely underwent ultrasound study of the KUB region and pelvis and lumbosacral radiography. Voiding cystourethrography, nuclear renography and other investigations like buccal smear and karyotyping were done in selected cases only. Genital anomalies were found in 30 cases (13.63%) and urologic anomalies in 25 cases (11.36%), a direct correlation being found between the level of ARM and the incidence of urogenital anomalies. The high incidence of associated anomalies (24.54%) makes careful clinical examination and evaluation of the urinary tract during the neonatal or early infantile period mandatory in all cases of ARM, particularly to avoid deterioration of renal function in future.