Congenital anorectal anomaly: CT evaluation.

Anorectal anomalies were evaluated by computed tomography (CT) scanning in 23 patients. CT scans showed clearly the anatomy of the anal sphincter muscles in relation to the intestine and the amount of muscle mass present. These findings correlated well with the results of direct visualization and electromyograms in patients who underwent surgery. The information revealed by CT scans is considered important in preoperative planning for surgical repair and in predicting a patient's prognosis. In cases of postoperative incontinence, CT scans demonstrated the location of the pulled-through intestine, including whether it had been correctly placed in the levator sling. Where the intestine was outside the levator sling, CT scans could be used in considerations of further surgery.