DOES THE WANGENSTEEN X-RAY EXAMINATION ALWAYS REVEAL US ALL THE SIGNS OF RECTAL ATRESIA?

Abstract

Purpose. To evaluate the diagnostic value of X-ray Wangensteen examination in case of rectal atresia in newborns.Materials and Methods. 27 newborns were examined: with a simple form atresia (11), with a rectovestibular fistula (9) andwith rectoperineal fistula (7). In all cases Wangensteen X-ray examination was applied.Results. In 15% of cases Wangensteen examination failed to diagnose the level of rectal atresia. In cases of rectal atresia’sassociation with rectovestibular and rectoperineal fistulas, authors suggest to replace Wangensteen examination with irrigography, after fistula’s bouginage and meconium releasing from rectum. Such an examination shows an absolutely true signs of atresia’slevel, so the surgeon can choose an appropriate surgical method of atresia’s treatment.Conclusion. In rectal atresia diagnostics X-ray Wangensteen examination showed false results in 15% of cases. In the presenceof low fistula types of atresia it’s rational to begin the treatment from fistula’s dilation by bouginage and following trans-fistulairrigography.

Keywords

• wangensteen examination
• rectal atresia