Anorectal malformations occur when the anus does not open onto the perineum in the normal location (within the muscle sphincter complex). This may be associated with a connection between the rectum and the urinary tract. Babies born this way require surgery to place the rectum in the correct position. This condition may also be associated with other congenital anomalies and investigation for these associations will occur while you child is admitted.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) occurs when there is a hole in the diaphragm, which is the thin sheet of muscle separating the chest from the abdomen. When this gap forms during a fetus's development in the womb, the bowel, stomach or even the liver can move into the chest cavity. This needs to be surgically correct to move structures out of the chest cavity as soon as the baby is well enough to undergo the procedure.

Gastroschisis is a birth defect where there is a hole in the abdominal wall beside the belly button. The baby's intestines, and sometimes other organs, are found outside of the baby's body, exiting through the hole. The intestines can be returned to the abdominal cavity with surgery or with a simple ‘plastic closure’ if the bowel allows.

Small bowel atresia, also known as intestinal atresia, is a birth defect that affects part of the small intestine, the tube that connects the stomach to the large intestine and helps digest food. Depending on the extent of the blockage, the defect is classified as either atresia or stenosis. This condition needs to be repaired surgically with removal of the affected segment or segments and anastomosis of healthy intestine.

Oesophageal atresia is a birth defect in which part of a baby's esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) does not develop properly. This anomaly is usually associated with a connection of the malformed oesophagus to the trachea (breathing pipe). Surgery for this includes removal of the oesophageal connection to the trachea and connection of the 2 oesophageal ends. There are a small percentage of cases where approximation of the oesophagus cannot be performed surgically and these children will need saliva diversion and feeding tube placement.

Omphalocele, also known as exomphalos, is a birth defect of the abdominal wall. The infant's intestines, liver, or other organs protrude through the belly button. The organs are covered in a thin, nearly transparent sac (part of the lining of the umbilical cord). These abdominal wall defects may range in size and require different approaches to surgical correction depending on their size.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal problem that mostly affects premature babies. The condition inflames intestinal tissue, causing it to die. A perforation may form in your baby's intestine. NEC can be successfully managed without surgery so long as there is no perforation of the intestine or death of the intestine leading to prolonged obstruction.