The value of transperineal injection for the diagnosis of imperforate anus

Imperforate anus is one of the most common causes of intestinal obstruction in the newborn and the exact estimation of the level of the blind rectal pouch is of primary importance. We present 11 cases of imperforate anus and demonstrate the accurate location of the rectal pouch by transperineal injection of contrast media. This method shows an advantage in comparison to the classical plain roentgenogram in the inverted position of the baby. No unnecessary colostomies were performed since intraduction of the transperineal injection. The method is simple and there were no complications due to injection 10-15 cc of 20% Hypaque. Further studies are not in progress to demonstrate the presence or absence of an associated internal fistula in all cases.