Learn more. Imperforate anus is a congenital present from birth defect in which the opening to the anus is missing or blocked. Imperforate anus may occur in several forms. The rectum may end in a blind pouch that does not connect with the colon, or it may have openings to the urethra, bladder, the base of penis or scrotum in boys or the vagina in girls. 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 repair: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
An imperforate anus is a birth defect that happens while your baby is still growing in the womb. It occurs more often in boys than girls. The rectum, bladder, and vagina of a female baby with an imperforate anus sometimes share one large opening. This opening is called a cloaca. The condition develops in the womb during the fifth to seventh weeks of pregnancy.
An imperforate anus defect prevents most or all stool from passing out of the rectum. How this surgery is performed depends on the type of imperforate anus. The surgery is done under general anesthesia. This means the infant is asleep and feels no pain during the procedure. Your baby may be able to go home later the same day if a mild defect is repaired.
When the anus is completely blocked, the condition is called imperforate anus. In children with anorectal malformations, the anus may be missing, blocked by a thin or thick layer of tissue, or more narrow than normal. In rare cases, the anus may be normal while the rectum is blocked or narrowed. Many children with anorectal malformations have a fistula, or abnormal passage, between the rectum to another part of the body, such as the. In some children with anorectal malformations, the rectum and the urinary tract have the same opening.