A survey on biliary atresia was made among 26 members of the Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons. The members were required to complete a questionnaire and a case registration form for each patient during the twentyone-year period of 1980-2000. Three hundred and eighty patients were registered from 18 institutions. The average number of patients per surgeon was one to two every year. The male to female ratio was 1 : 1.3. The age of patients on diagnosis with biliary atresia was on average 65.4 ±36.2 days old. The national distribution was 32.8% in Seoul, 25.3% in Gyoungki-Do, 21.6% in Gyoungsang-Do, 9.27% in Choongchung-Do, etc. in order. The most common clinical presentation was jaundice (98.4%) and change of stool color (86.2%) was second. Two hundred eighty (74.7%) of 375 patients were operated by 80 days of age. Three hundred thirty six (91.9%) of 366 patients were operated on by the original Kasai procedure, and 305 (84.3%) of 362 patients were observed by bile-drainage postoperatively. The overall postoperative complication rate was 18.5% and the overall postoperative mortality rate was 6.8%. The associated anomalies were observed in 72 cases (22.5%). One hundred ninty five (64.7%) of 302 patients have been alive in follow-up and 49 (25.1%) have survived over 5 years without problem after operation. Ascending cholangitis, varices and ascites affected survival significantly, and the important long-term prognostic factor was the occurrence of complications.

To understand the current status of neonatal surgery in Korea, a survey was made among the 36 members of the Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons. The response rate was 75% (26 surgeons in 20 hospitals). Five hundred fifty three neonatal surgical patients treated in 1999 were analyzed. Regional numbers of patients were closely related to the regional population in most areas. Ano-rectal malformations (17%), pyloric stenosis (16%), Hirschsprung's disease (13%), atresia/stenosis of the gut (11%), esophageal atresia (8%) were the most common anomalies treated. The majority of operations were done within the first week of life. Seventy one per cent of cases were major life threatening or so-called neonatal index cases. Over-all mortality was 8 per cent. Higher mortality was observed in patients with diaphragmatic hernia (26%), gastro-intestinal perforation (18%), NEC (18%), and esophageal atresia(14%). Higher mortality was observed in patients with extremely low birth weight (33%) and low birth weight (18%). Associated anomalies were observed in 20%. Prenatal ultrasound was performed in 36 per cent with sensitivity of 20%. Result of this study was compared to the previous report (1994) and that of Japan (1998).

Thirty three members of the Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons were surveyed to determine the clinical manifestations and current management of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS). The members completed a registration form and a questionnaire that indicated their treatment preferences for patients treated during 1996. The response rate was 84.8 %, and 23 institutions participated. Three hundred and sixty-three cases of IHPS were analysed. The male to female ratio was 5.15: 1. The presenting symptoms were nonbilious vomiting in 363 cases(lOO %), palpable mass in the upper abdomen in 200 cases (55.1 %) and visible peristaltic waves in 67 cases(l8.5 %). Fluid therapy was done in 161 cases(44.4 %) for preoperative preparation. Twenty patients(5.5 %) were premature. There were 27 low birth weight babies(7.7 %). The onset of symptoms ranged from 1 to 14 weeks of age with a peak occurrence at 2 to 4 weeks of age. Two hundred and thirty-six cases(66.6 %) presented within 4 weeks of age. There was one set of male twins and a family history of twins. The modes of feedings were: breast feeding; 69 cases(24.5 %), formula feeding; 176 cases(62.4 %) and mixed feeding; 37 cases(l3.l %). The preferred diagnostic modalities were ultrasonography (US) 229 cases(63.l %), UGI series 27 cases(7.4 %) and US and UGI series combined 86 cases(23.7 %). Only 21 cases(5.8 %) were operated on without imaging study, ie. with positive physical finding. Perforation of the mucosa during pyloromytomy occurred in 5 cases. All were treated successfully with primary closure. Persistent vomiting over 2 weeks after operation were reported in 5 cases. Three wound infections, one aspiration pneumonia and one postoperative bleeding were reported. There was no mortality in 363 cases.