Pronounced: AY-nal ah-TRE-zhuh
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.
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:
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.
Your doctor will ask about your child's symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include the following:
Talk with your child's doctor about the best treatment plan for your child. Treatment options include the following:
This is performed to reconstruct the anus.
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.
RESOURCES:
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/
US National Library of Medicine
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
About Kids Health
http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php/
References:
California Birth Defects Monitoring Program website. Available at: http://www.cbdmp.org/bd_intestine.htm . Accessed December 18, 2006.
Scott, J, 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.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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