Anorectal malformation (ARM) and Hirschsprung's disease (HD) are the most common congenital colorectal anomalies. Despite advances in surgical techniques and improvements in postoperative clinical care, short- and long-term physical and psychosocial morbidity of these patients remains high. This review outlines the current literature on the physical and psychosocial aspects of health-related quality of life (HrQoL) and its confounders in patients with ARM/HD. Moreover, important coping strategies are summarized to further improve HrQoL of ARM/HD patients and their families.
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.