Anomalies of the gastrointestinal tract; a review of the literature and report of two unusual cases.

Abstract

MAJOR congenital anomalies of the alimentary tract that produce symptoms are seen almost entirely in infancy and childhood. They are seldom reported in adults. Some of these, such as atresia of the esophagus or other portions of the digestive tract, are inconsistent with continued life. Attempts to remedy these situations pose difficult if not impossible surgical problems. Other anomalies, such as imperforate anus, duplications of portions of the gastrointestinal tract, "congenital bands" and errors of rotation with volvulus, are amenable to successful surgical correction. Still other anomalies are compatible with normal growth and development, do not produce symptoms and may . . .