New concepts in preoperative imaging of anorectal malformation. New concepts in imaging of ARM.

In this study of 14 patients with anorectal anomalies CT and MRI were employed for preoperative assessment. The use of a pressure enhanced water soluble enema via the colostomy proved to be an extremely efficient method for showing a fistula. MRI studies were enhanced by the use of vaseline oil and in one case this technique was used prior to surgery to provide important information by injecting through a perineal fistula. CT and axial MRI proved to be more valuable than sagittal MRI which is only useful for the length of the atretic segment. The authors consider that a combined approach using pressure enhanced water soluble enema and MRI will provide the most valuable preoperative information to plan a successful operative approach and enable an accurate prognostic evaluation of continence in these difficult and complex patients.