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An imperforate anus or anal atresia is a birth defect in which the rectum is malformed. Its cause is unknown.
Features
There are several forms of imperforate anus:
- A low lesion, in which the colon remains close to the skin. In this case, there may be a stenosis (narrowing) of the anus, or the anus may be missing altogether, with the rectum ending in a blind pouch.
- A high lesion, in which the colon is higher up in the pelvis and there is a fistula connecting the rectum and the bladder, urethra or the vagina.
- A cloaca (named after the analogous orifice in amphibians), where the rectum, vagina and colon are joined into a single opening.
Treatment
Imperforate anus usually requires immediate surgery to open a passage for faeces. Depending on the severity of the imperforate, it is either treated with a perineal anoplasty or colostomy.
Prognosis
With a high lesion, many children have problems controlling bowel function and most also become constipated. With a low lesion, children generally have good bowel control, but they may still become constipated.
Epidemiology
Imperforate anus has an estimated incidence of 1 in 5,000 live births. It is more common in boys than in girls.
References
- Texas Pediatric Associates. "Imperforate anus." Retrieved 13 July, 2005.
- MedLine Plus. "Imperforate anus." Retrieved 13 July, 2005.
- Colorectal Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. "Anorectal Malformations / Imperforate Anus." Retrieved July, 2005.
"Imperforate anus"