Imperforate Anus
The term imperforate anus is a misnomer; it is commonly used to refer to a spectrum of anorectal malformations, ranging from a benign defect that requires a minor operation and…
Colonoscopy, Polypectomy, and Related Techniques
The development of the colonoscope followed that of upper panendoscopes. Rigid proctoscopes were developed in the late 1800s, and fiberoptic techniques were adapted to visualize the sigmoid and descending colon…
Capsule Endoscopy and Small Bowel Enteroscopy
Small bowel capsule endoscopy (CE) was introduced in 2001 as a noninvasive means of obtaining high-quality, color endoscopic images from the duodenum to the cecum. Soon thereafter, CE challenged traditional…
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a combined endoscopic and radiologic procedure used for both diagnostic, and more commonly, therapeutic interventions within the pancreatic and biliary tree. The procedure utilizes the…
Hirschsprung’s Disease
Hirschsprung’s disease (HD) is a disorder of distal intestinal motility that is the result of a congenital absence of ganglion cells in the myenteric plexuses of the intestine. The absence…
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and Related Techniques
The earliest gastrointestinal endoscopies were performed in the late 1880s using rigid instruments, looking initially at the esophagus and rectum. The semiflexible gastroscope was developed in the early 1930s by…
Newborn Abdominal Wall Defects
Historical Background Omphalocele was first described by Ambrose Paré during the 16th century, with emphasis on the critical nature and poor prognosis of this condition; gastroschisis was likely described by…
Abnormal Rotation and Fixation of the Intestine
Normal intestinal growth and development follows a stereotypical pattern of mesenteric rotation and subsequent intestinal fixation to the body wall during fetal life. The term malrotation has been widely used…
Atresia and Stenosis of the Bowel
“Atresia” is derived from the Greek work atretos , meaning not perforated. This term is used to describe a congenital absence or pathologic closure of a body opening or passage….
Intussusception in Infants and Children
Intussusception is a common cause of intestinal obstruction afflicting one in 2000 infants and children. This curious anatomic condition is characterized by the invagination of one segment of the gastrointestinal…
