String placement and progressive dilatations in the management of high membranous rectal atresia.

A newborn with rectal atresia underwent a sigmoid colostomy followed by fluoroscopic placement of a string across the membrane. Progressive dilatations were done until normalization of the rectal canal occurred at 4 months. At 6 months, the colostomy was closed. Although moderate sigmoid dilatation persisted initially, the boy is now developing well and has a normal stooling pattern 3 years following the last procedure. The technique demonstrates the feasibility of high rectal-membrane management without excision.