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Suction rectal biopsy (SRB) may not include sufficient submucosa for histological diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease (HD) and a repeat biopsy is required. Substitution of the conventional syringe for sustained suction from a machine or wall suction unit could provide a more consistently adequate tissue biopsy. This study was conducted to compare the adequacy of SRB specimens using a conventional method of syringe suction (SSRB) with those taken by wall or machine suction (WSRB). Hospital records of patients who had a SRB between 2002 and 2004 were studied retrospectively. The biopsy was considered inadequate if there was insufficient submucosa and a repeat specimen was requested. SSRB were taken using the conventional SSRB technique. WSRB were taken with the same Noblett forceps but with suction from wall suction or from a portable suction machine. Ninety-five infants had 103 SRB, 24 had WSRB and all (100%) were adequate for histopathological diagnosis or exclusion of HD. Seventy nine conventional SSRB were undertaken in 71 infants of which 64 (81.02%) were adequate. The difference in adequacy between WSRB and SSRB was statistically significant (P = 0.02). There were no instances of haemorrhage or bowel perforation in either subgroup. WSRB with the Noblett biopsy forceps is more likely to produce an adequate specimen and to reduce the incidence of repeat biopsies.

Congenital duodenal obstruction (DO) has a well-known association with Down syndrome (DS) and other congenital malformations. Previously reported series on DO have not examined the influence of DS on associated congenital malformations and postoperative morbidity and mortality. We report on a retrospective study of all children born with DO over an 11-year period to investigate this. A total of 79 patients with DO were studied: group 1 consisted of 51 (64.6%) children without DS, and group 2 consisted of 28 (35.4%) children with DS. There was no significant difference in mean gestational age and birth weight between groups 1 and 2. A coexisting congenital malformation was found in 68% of patients. Gastrointestinal malformations were the most common in group 1 (71.1%), and cardiac malformations were the most common in group 2 (81.5%). The mean time to reach full intragastric feeds was 12 days, with no significant difference between the two groups ( p=0.383). Seven (8.9%) patients developed a postoperative complication, with no significant difference between both groups ( p=0.853). A total of 11 patients died: six (12%) in group 1 and five (28%) in group 2, with no significant difference between the groups ( p=0.454). DS does not influence the morbidity and mortality of DO but does carry a higher incidence of congenital cardiac abnormalities. Delayed mortality was a result of coexisting congenital cardiac and respiratory disease.

A case of traumatic rectovesical fistula in a 14-year-old boy is presented. A transvesical approach was employed to access the defect. This approach provided excellent exposure, ease of surgery, and an uncomplicated post-operative course. The operative procedure is described, and aspects of the case are discussed.