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Is imperforate anus an emergency?
Complete absence of an anal opening requires emergency surgery for the newborn. Surgical repairs are done while the baby is deep asleep and pain-free (using general anesthesia).
Is imperforate anus life threatening?
While IA is rarely fatal, it can be life threatening, especially when perforation of the intestines or sepsis-related problems from an operation are involved.
How is anorectal malformation treated?
Doctors treat anorectal malformations with surgery. The type of surgery depends on the location and type of malformation. Doctors often perform surgery in the first few days after the baby is born. In some cases, doctors can repair the anorectal malformation with one operation.
Why do you need Anoplasty?
Anoplasty involves reconstruction of the anus and is most often performed to correct anal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the anal canal that causes painful bowel movements.
What are the signs and symptoms of imperforate anus?
Signs and symptoms of imperforate anus include:
- The opening to the anus is missing or not in the usual place. In girls, it may be near the vagina.
- No passage of poop within a day or 2 of birth.
- Passing poop through another opening, like the urethra in boys or vagina in girls.
- Swollen belly.
How common is imperforate anus?
There may also be stenosis (narrowing) or a complete absence of the anus. The problem is caused by abnormal development of the fetus and may be associated with other birth defects. Imperforate anus is a relatively common condition that occurs in about 1 out of 5,000 infants.
Which type of primary repair is required for anorectal malformation?
Laparoscopy can help reduce pain, healing time and the risk of infection. It is the preferred method of surgery for repairing anorectal malformations and Hirschsprung disease.
What are the signs of anorectal malformation?
Symptoms
- Lack of stool.
- Stool coming from the vagina.
- Urine coming from the anus.
- Trouble having a bowel movement, or constipation.
How do you prevent imperforate anus?
Stool softeners, enemas, or laxatives may be necessary to relieve constipation later in life. Surgery can usually fix the abnormalities, and most children do very well. A diet high in fiber and regular follow-up care throughout childhood are beneficial.
Why does imperforate anus occur?
Although the exact cause of imperforate anus is not fully understood, it is believed to be due to the abnormal development of the rectum when the embryo is forming inside the womb. Many forms of imperforate anus occur with other birth defects. Imperforate anus may also be part of a syndrome with multiple birth defects.
How do you get Anoplasty?
For mild imperforate anus defects: The first step involves enlarging the opening where the stool drains, so stool can pass more easily. Surgery involves closing any small tube-like openings (fistulas), creating an anal opening, and putting the rectal pouch into the anal opening. This is called an anoplasty.
How long does Anoplasty surgery take?
Anoplasty for the Treatment of a Perineal Fistula The operation takes about 1 hour in expert hands but requires many meticulous and delicate maneuvers to avoid damage to important continence structures, as well as injury to the urethra in male patients and vagina in female patients.