Anorectal Malformations / Imperforate Anus
Anorectal
malformations are types of colorectal conditions that comprise a wide spectrum
of diseases, which can affect boys and girls, and involve the distal anus and
rectum as well as the urinary and genital tracts. Defects occur during the fifth to
seventh weeks of fetal development. With these defects, the anus (the opening
at the end of the large intestine through which stool passes) and the rectum
(the area of the large intestine just above the anus) do not develop properly.
Approximately one in 4,000 children is born with an anorectal malformation. There is a very large spectrum of defects and
treatments associated with anorectal malformations. Defects
may range from the very minor and easily treated (with an excellent functional
prognosis), to those that are complex, with varying diagnoses and treatments
that depend on the gender of the child.
