Timely Diagnosis of Complete Anorectal Malformations in Newborns at Birth

Varied definitions are argued for a delayed diagnosis of complete anorectal malformation in newborns [1]. An absent perineal opening is of rare incidence (1:5000 births) and mandates a surgical emergency in the neonatal age group. Imperforate anus has a lower detection rate in antenatal ultrasounds [2]. Currently, a neonatal perineal examination at birth is the only way for accurate and timely diagnosis [3]. It takes multiple sessions for young pediatricians and nursing professionals to appreciate a newborn perineum for surgical anomalies, leading to delayed diagnosis.