[Anorectal abnormalities]

An insight in the genesis of anorectal abnormality, combined with a painstaking diagnostic examination leading to a justifiable, well-considered therapeutic procedure, may spell hope and better prospects to approximately 35 children that are born with this abnormality in The Netherlands each year. Subsequently, the function of the anorectoplasty has to be evaluated at regular check-ups. Coupled with a sound understanding of the defaecation mechanism, this should lead to uniformity in the treatment and sustenance of a child with anorectal abnormality, which will reduce the burden of this handicap for both parents and child to a minimum.