Classification and Surgical Management of Anorectal Malformations: A Systematic Review and Evidence-based Guideline From the APSA Outcomes and Evidence-based Practice Committee

In brief

This systematic review by the APSA Outcomes Committee addresses variability in anatomic classification and surgical approaches for neonatal anorectal malformations. It synthesizes current evidence to establish standardized perioperative care guidelines and identify areas of ongoing clinical controversy in ARM management.

• Anorectal malformations exhibit significant anatomic variability requiring standardized classification systems for consistent surgical planning.
• Multiple surgical approaches exist for ARM repair with heterogeneous outcome reporting complicating evidence-based treatment selection.
• APSA guidelines synthesize current evidence to standardize perioperative ARM management and address treatment controversies.
• Neonatal ARM treatment requires systematic approach balancing anatomic complexity with evidence-based surgical technique selection.
• Standardized outcome measures are needed to compare ARM surgical approaches and improve long-term functional results.

Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.