Association of imperforate anus with short colon: a report of eight cases.

Eight cases of imperforate anus with short colon were seen in our hospital from April 1982 to December 1987. Five were boys, three were girls, and their ages ranged from 2 days to 2 years. The international literature about this kind of disease was reviewed. The disease's name, embryology, diagnoses, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis are discussed herein. We suggest that this case, which was not combined with exstrophy of the bladder and/or intestine, be called association of imperforate anus with short colon (AIASC). Other cases, combined with exstrophy of the bladder and/or intestine could be called, association of imperforate anus with exstrophy splanchnica (AIAES). This distinction is necessary because each group differs in symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.