What is anal atresia?

Anal atresia is a type of congenital defect in which the anus cannot develop properly. The condition may manifest itself as an unusually narrow or completely missing rectum. If there is no anal opening, there may be an inner pouch of the tissue that surrounds the end of the rectum or intestine, it can be connected to the genital or urethy tract. It is believed that problems will start very early in pregnancy, although doctors are not sure whether there are specific genetic or environmental causes. In most cases, surgery is necessary shortly after birth to create a new rectum and repair damage to other structures in the pelvis.

Anus development problems are quite common, although scientists have not yet identified significant basic causes. In normal fetal development, the internal genital structure and urinary tract are finally separated for about eight weeks. Anal atresa occurs when temporary channels connecting three structures do not understand. As a result, the intestines continue to develop it abnormally untilbirth. Anal atresia is associated with other congenital defects in many cases, including kidney problems, bladder and lower spine.

Infant born with anal atresy can have a small opening of the rectum very close to the genitals or no opening at all. In women, anus may be visible inside the vagina. The rectum can leave the body of small perforations on the base of the penis or just behind the scrotum in men. Other cases have been reported where the inner perforation is connected to the bladder or urethra. Finally, anal atresia may occur where there is no connection at all; The rectum simply flows into a small pouch inside the body where there should be an rectum.

The obstetrician can usually recognize the anal atresia shortly after the child is delivered during a routine physical examination. If unusual or absent rectum is, sonograms and other imaging tests are needed to determinewhere the rectum is empty. A team of doctors also checks other abnormalities in genitalia, urinary tractions, spine and internal organs. In order to prevent the infant to show, it is not fed and instead is administered by vital fluid by intravenous line.

Reconstruction surgery is considered during the first few hours of detection of anal atresia. Depending on the exact nature of the condition, the surgeon may have to create a temporary stoma in the abdominal cavity and attach a colostory bag for collecting stools. Any perforation or other damage to the genitals and urinary tract are repaired and a new rectum is formed in its normal position. If the problem cannot be completely corrected, subsequent operations may be necessary. Most children are experiencing full recovery, although a small number of patients have permanent problems controlling bowel movements.