Introduction: Birth defects are one of the most common causes of disability in developed and developing countries. Birth defects are structural or functional anomalies, including metabolic disorders, which are present at the time of birth. Although the worldwide incidence of birth defects is estimated at 3-7%, the rate varies widely between countries. In this paper, we categorized the birth defects most commonly seen in Bangladesh and their outcome. We hope to use this information to guide the strategies used to manage these problems. Materials and Methods: This hospital based, descriptive study was done in the Department of Pediatric Surgery in Chittagong Medical College and Hospital from January 2008 to December 2012. Records of all patients with birth defects in our hospital and departmental database were reviewed. Types of birth defects, age, sex, surgery performed and outcome were analyzed in patients admitted during this period. Data were analyzed by SPSS 17. Statistical analysis was performed by the chi-square test and mean and percentage values were calculated. P<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: During this five year period, there were 5661 patients of birth defects admitted in this department. Of these, 5156 had a single congenital anomaly and 505 had multiple congenital anomalies. The male to female ratio was 2.1: 1. Birth defects comprised 44.61% of all Pediatric surgical admissions and 0.90% of total hospital admissions. The gastrointestinal system was the most common organ system involved, followed by the genitourinary system. Inguinal hernias were the most common gastrointestinal abnormality and hypospadias were the most common genitourinary case. A total of 3921 operations were performed for birth defects, representing 69.26% of total admission for birth defects. Most operations were done for gastrointestinal and genito-urinary defects. Inguinal herniotomy was the most commonly performed operation followed by laparotomy for various indications. There were 225 deaths for birth defects. While this is only 3.97% of all admissions for birth defects, this represents 51.49% of all (pediatric) deaths during the study period. The most common cause of death was anorectal malformations followed by gastroschisis. Conclusion: The study helps assess the burden of birth defects in the Bangladeshi society. There is a need for more extensive, nationwide screening studies to determine the birth prevalence, types and distribution of birth defects in Bangladesh.

Anorectal malformations are associated with other anomalies among which vaginal malformations are occasionally encountered and may go unnoticed by the primary physician. Between January 1998 and December 2003, 563 cases of anorectal malformations were managed in Pediatric Surgery Department, Chittagong Medical College & Hospital, Chittagong, Bangladesh. Among these, five cases of rectovestibular fistula were associated with vaginal malformations. In this retrospective study age, physical findings, operative findings and procedures, outcome of operation and postoperative follow-up were evaluated. Mean age at presentation was 8.67 years (range 2 months to 17 years). All cases referred as rectovaginal fistula and vaginal anomalies (atresia to agenesis) were detected after thorough examination. Initial pelvic colostomy was done in all patients. Cases 1, 3 and 4 had distal vaginal agenesis and underwent posterior sagittal anorectovaginoplasty. In case 5, atretic vaginal duplication was found with didelphic hypoplastic uterus and absent left kidney. Case 2 (vaginal atresia) operated elsewhere is waiting for definitive surgery. Colostomy closure was done in four cases. The third patient had already married and conceived. Bowel habits are regular in all except the second patient. In females, a thorough understanding of anorectal malformations is necessary to identify the association with vaginal anomalies and awareness of this association will lead to earlier diagnosis and appropriate operative measures.

Cystoscopic removal can be a useful technique for the removal of leeches from the urinary tract when saline irrigation fails.

Background : Formation of intestinal stoma is a common surgical practice. In this study, we aim to study the indications for stoma creation, complications of stomas, timing and methods of stoma reversal, reasons for any delays and post-reversal complications. Material and methods: This is a restropective study Charts of patients who underwent stoma creation and reversal over a 3 year period from January 2018 to December 2020 at Banghbandhu Memorial Hospital are included in this study. Results: A total of 49stomas were created out of which 36 were reversed. Overall pre-takedown complications were 26 % and post-takedown complications were 30% most of which were minor complications, not requiring major interventions. There was no significant difference in outcome due to early vs. late reversal, types of anesthesia or reversal technique. Conclusion: Reversal of temporary stomas can be done safely at an early date, with no demand of special anesthesia, requiring minimal access to the abdomen and with safe early discharge without expecting serious complications or readmissions. IAHS Medical Journal Vol 5(1), June 2022; 78-81

Keywords: burn; neonate; scald; flame burnDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jcmcta.v22i1.9109 JCMCTA 2011; 22(1): 28-31