Table of Contents
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Images
Anorectal malformation; Anal atresia
Treatment
The infant should be checked for other problems, especially those affecting the genitals, urinary tract, and spine.
Surgical reconstruction of the anus is needed. If the rectum connects with other organs, repair of these organs will also be necessary. A temporary colostomy is often required.
Support Groups
Expectations (prognosis)
With treatment, the outcome is usually good. However, it depends on the exact problem. Some infants may never develop adequate bowel control.
Complications
- Bowel incontinence
- Constipation
- Intestinal blockage
Calling your health care provider
This disorder is usually discovered when the newborn infant is first examined. Call your health care provider if a child that was treated for imperforate anus has abdominal pain or fails to develop any bowel control by the age of 3.
Images
Previous Section
Review Date: 05/12/2009
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of
Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also
reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
