Anorectal Malformations / Imperforate Anus

Anorectal malformations are defects that 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 are born with an anorectal malformation. There is a very large spectrum of defects and treatments associated with anorectal malformations / imperforate anus, and there are different defects, diagnoses and therapies depending on the gender of the child.