Considering the scarcity of articles on congenital anomalies and the importance of being aware of
anomalies of the digestive system in infants and children in this country, a study was conducted to
present a statistical analysis of patients diagnosed and treated at Severance Hospital between the years of
1961 and 1971.
Remarkable progress has been made in the field of pediatric surgery, particularly in physiology, anest
hesiology and operative technique. However, the untimate result hasn´t been totally satisfactory, largely
due to the lack of cognizance of early diagnosus and prompt treatment.
Furthermore, most of the patients with associated abnormal conditions, such as congenital heart disease,
cleft palate and other associated G.I. anomalies, require surger, urgently.
A total of 133 cases were analyzed according to systems and of these, 97 were male and 36 were
female, a ratio of 8 : 3.
1. The order of frequency of diseases was as follows:
Imperforate anus 34 cases (25.4%), congenital megacolon 27 cases (20.1%) and congenital hypertro
phic pyloric stenosis 27 cases (20.1%).
2. Associated congenital anomalies were found in 17 patients. They were G.I. anomalies. Down´s
syndrome, congenital heart disease and craniostosis.
3. Of significance was the fact that in this study, imporforate anus had the highest incidence which
was in sharp contrast to the occidental series in which congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis showed
the peak incidence.
4. There was an overall mortality rate of 20 cases (16.7%), the causes of mortality being:
Respiratory failure, 9 cases (45%).
Associated heart diseases. 4 cases (20%)
Fluid and electrolytes imbalance (15%)
Sepricemia, 3 cases (15%)
These figures are very similar to that reported in various publications.
In conclusion, this anakysis suggests that a more keen understanding of meonatal physiology, embryo
logy, surgical technique and improved post-operative care for anomalous patients, may certainly improve
the ultimate outcome of corrective surgery.
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