Imperforate anus
What is imperforate anus? How is it diagnosed?
Imperforate anus occurs when the anal Diagnosis is made at birth when the anal opening is absent or not in a normal opening is checked during the newborn’s position. It is a birth defect caused by the physical examination. failure of normal development of the anal area. Sometimes an abnormal opening What is the treatment? (fistula) is present between the bowel and the vagina in girls, or between the bowel and The low type may be corrected by one or the urinary tract in boys. more of the following:
There are two types of imperforate anus: • opening the membrane in surgery • repeated dilating (stretching) of the High type - no opening is present and the opening bowel ends above the muscles at the bottom of the pelvis. • surgical reconstruction
Low type - the bowel ends below the The high type is corrected by creating a muscles at the bottom of the pelvis. There is temporary colostomy (re-routing the bowel often an opening present, but it is in an out through the abdominal wall). The baby abnormal position or is covered by a then has bowel movements into a pouch membrane. (bag).
What causes an imperforate anus? At about 6 to 12 months of age, surgical reconstruction of an anal opening is There is no known cause for the condition, performed, and any possible fistula is which occurs in 1 out of every 5,000 infants. closed. The colostomy is reconnected 6 to 8 weeks later. What are the symptoms? If your child needs a colostomy, an • no anal opening enterostomal therapy nurse (stoma therapy nurse) will teach you how to take care of the • misplaced anal opening colostomy and how to apply the pouch. See • anal opening very near the vaginal the education sheet, “Pouch change”. You opening in a female will be able to practice taking care of the stoma before your baby goes home from the • no bowel movement within 24 to 48 hospital. hours after birth
• stool passed through the vagina or urethra • abdominal distension
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What else do I need to know? Questions?
The outcome is good with treatment. This sheet is not specific to your child but Children with imperforate anus are often provides general information. If you have constipated, even after surgical repair. In any questions, please call the doctor. these children, a bowel management program may be needed to treat For more reading material about this and constipation. other health topics, please call or visit the Family Resource Center library, or visit our When your child’s specific needs are Web site: www.childrensmn.org. determined, the health care team will work with you and your child through the steps of a successful bowel management program. Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota Patient/Family Education 2525 Chicago Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55404 1/06 Copyright
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