New case-based textbook explores complex pediatric colorectal care from fundamentals to advanced management

A new textbook, Pediatric Colorectal Conundrums, Case Studies: From Fundamental to Advanced, authored by Marc Levitt, MD, chief of the Division of Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction at Children’s National Hospital, is now available. The publication marks Dr. Levitt’s sixth textbook and brings together global expertise to guide clinicians through the full spectrum of pediatric colorectal and pelvic reconstructive conditions. He is joined by co-authors Thomas Xu, a fellow in colorectal surgery at Children’s National, and Hussein Wissanji, who runs the colorectal program at the Montreal Children’s Hospital

What is it?

Through a case-based format, the book reflects the real-world experiences of contributors from around the world and emphasizes practical decision-making, functional outcomes and long-term quality of life for patients. Illustrated and complemented by online resources, the text serves as both a foundational reference and an advanced clinical guide.

The cases originated from a weekly quiz that Dr. Levitt distributed to colleagues around the world during the pandemic. Each Monday, a new case would arrive via email, inviting surgeons to submit their diagnoses and management plans, with the correct answer shared the following week.

At a time when COVID-19 halted in-person meetings and disrupted traditional academic forums, this initiative helped sustain meaningful exchange and professional connection. It was from this highly engaged, global series that the concept for the book ultimately emerged.

The first section provides guidance on the evaluation and management of core conditions, including:

• Male and female anorectal malformations
• Cloaca
• Hirschsprung disease
• Functional constipation

The second section moves into challenging and nuanced scenarios, offering alternative strategies for complex presentations and complications. Topics include:

• Advanced anorectal malformation cases and surgical approaches
• Cloaca case variations
• Complications of Malone appendicostomy
• Difficult Hirschsprung disease cases
• Colonic motility disorders
• Miscellaneous colorectal diseases such as atresias, duplications, prolapse, volvulus and urogenital sinus conditions

Why it matters

Children with anorectal malformations, cloaca, Hirschsprung disease, fecal incontinence and colonic motility disorders often require coordinated, lifelong care from multidisciplinary teams. This textbook underscores the collaborative nature of pediatric colorectal and pelvic reconstruction, highlighting the roles of colorectal surgery, urology, gynecology, gastroenterology motility, orthopedics, neurosurgery, physiotherapy, anesthesia, pathology, radiology, psychology, social work, nutrition and nursing.

By pairing foundational instruction with advanced case discussions, the book aims to standardize and elevate care worldwide, helping clinicians approach both common and rare scenarios with greater confidence and clarity.

A leader in pediatric colorectal surgery

Dr. Levitt is a world-renowned pediatric colorectal surgeon with expertise in treating the full spectrum of pediatric colorectal conditions. Over the course of his career, he has performed more than 15,000 surgeries – more than nearly any other surgeon worldwide. In the past 25 years, his experience includes more than 2,500 posterior sagittal anorectoplasties, 1,000 cloacal reconstructions, over 1,000 Hirschsprung pull-through surgeries and more than 500 Malone appendicostomies.

Through this sixth textbook, Dr. Levitt continues his longstanding commitment to education and global knowledge sharing, equipping surgeons and multidisciplinary care teams with practical tools and real-world insights to improve outcomes for children everywhere.

Order a copy of Pediatric Colorectal Conundrums, Case Studies: From Fundamental to Advanced.