Anal atresia is a congenital condition in which the opening of the anus is absent or obstructed. Most of the time, anal atresia can be corrected.
Causes
Anal atresia is a congenital defect, discovered at birth.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
The following factors increase your child's chance of developing anal atresia. If your child has either of these risk factors, tell your child's doctor:
Symptoms
If your child experience any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to anal atresia. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If your child experiences any one of them, see your child's physician.
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No anal opening present at birth
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Anal opening in the wrong location
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Baby does not pass his/her first stool within 24-48 hours after birth
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Stool being excreted through the vagina, penis, scrotum, or urethra
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Tight, swollen stomach
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No bowel control by age 3
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your child's symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include the following:
Treatment
Talk with your child's doctor about the best treatment plan for your child. Treatment options include the following:
Surgery
Performed to reconstruct the anus.
Colostomy
Temporary surgical procedure to help rid the body of waste until the condition can be corrected. In this procedure, the rectum is closed-off and a stoma (an opening) is made in the abdomen so that waste can pass through it and into a colostomy bag.
Prevention
Because it is a congenital birth defect, there is no known way to prevent anal atresia.
RESOURCES:
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/info/abdomen/diagnose/anorectal-malformations-imperforate-anus.htm
US National Library of Medicine
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001147.htm
University of California San Francisco
http://www.ucsfhealth.org/childrens/medical_services/surgical/minimal/conditions/ianus/signs.html
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
British Columbia Ministry of Health
http://www.bchealthguide.org/kbase/nord/nord629.htm
References:
California Birth Defects Monitoring Program website. Available at: http://www.cbdmp.org/bd_intestine.htm. Accessed December 18, 2006.
Scott, J ES, Swenson O. Imperforate anus: results in 63 cases and some anatomical considerations. Tufts University Medical School publication website Available at: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/picrender.fcgi?artid=1613419&blobtype=pdf. Accessed December 18, 2006.
