Table of Contents
- Overview
- Risks
- Recovery
- Prevention
Anorectal malformation repair; Perineal anoplasty
Expectations after surgery
Most anorectal malformations can be corrected successfully with surgery. In most cases, patients recover with normal bowel function. The long-term outlook is excellent if the patient has no other pelvic problems.
Convalescence
The child may spend several days in the hospital. The health care provider will use an instrument to dilate (stretch) the new anus to improve muscle tone and prevent narrowing -- this must be continued for several months. Use of stool softeners and a high-fiber diet are recommended throughout childhood.
Previous Section
Review Date: 10/16/2006
Reviewed By: J.A. Lee, M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University
Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare
Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
