Definition

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:

• Being born with other birth defects
• Being male

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.

• No anal opening present at birth
• Anal opening in the wrong location
• Baby does not pass the first stool within 24-48 hours after birth
• Stool being excreted through the vagina, penis, scrotum, or urethra
• Tight, swollen stomach
• 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:

• Physical examination to determine the presence and location of the anus
• Abdominal x-ray]]> —type of x-ray that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the abdomen.
• Enema—the injection of liquid into the intestine by way of the anus (for cleansing or examination)

Treatment

Talk with your child's doctor about the best treatment plan for your child. Treatment options include the following:

Prevention

Because it is a congenital birth defect, there is no known way to prevent anal atresia.