What Are Anorectal Malformations?

Summary

An anorectal malformation occurs when the anus, rectum, and related organs don't develop properly during pregnancy, affecting a child's ability to pass stool. The severity ranges from mild cases with a narrow or misplaced opening to severe cases where the rectum is connected to the urinary or genital tracts. Treatment usually involves surgery, with some children needing multiple operations. At the International Center for Colorectal Care, a multidisciplinary team assesses potential for bowel and urinary control, along with future reproductive health. Support is provided for transitioning into adult care as the child grows.

Takeaways

• 😀 An anorectal malformation occurs when the anus, rectum, and other related organs do not develop properly during pregnancy, affecting bowel movements.
• 😀 The anus is the opening at the end of the rectum, where sphincter muscles help control bowel movements.
• 😀 In a healthy digestive system, stool moves from the colon to the rectum and is expelled through the anus during a bowel movement.
• 😀 In children with anorectal malformations, stool cannot leave the body until surgically corrected.
• 😀 The severity of an anorectal malformation can range from mild to severe, with unique cases for each child.
• 😀 In mild cases, the opening may be too narrow or misplaced, but surgery can help the child achieve voluntary bowel control.
• 😀 Moderate cases may prevent a child from having any bowel movement, requiring surgical intervention.
• 😀 Severe cases can result in the rectum opening into the urinary or genital urinary tracts, leading to possible urinary tract infections.
• 😀 Some children with severe cases may not achieve normal bowel control even after surgery.
• 😀 Anorectal malformations affect both girls and boys equally, and in some cases, the rectum may be misplaced, missing, or connected to other organs.
• 😀 Treatment typically involves multiple surgeries, with most children requiring three operations, and support for transitioning to adult care is provided in the future.

Q & A

What is an anorectal malformation?

An anorectal malformation occurs when the anus, rectum, and other related organs do not develop properly during pregnancy, affecting the child's ability to have normal bowel movements.

How does an anorectal malformation affect bowel movements?

In an anorectal malformation, stool cannot leave the body until it is surgically corrected. The malformation disrupts the normal passage of stool from the colon to the rectum and out through the anus.

What are the roles of the anus, rectum, and colon in normal bowel movements?

The anus, rectum, and colon work together to move stool out of the body. Stool passes from the colon to the rectum and then out through the anus during a bowel movement.

What are the different types of anorectal malformations?

Anorectal malformations can range from mild to severe. Mild cases involve an opening that may be too narrow or in the wrong place. Moderate cases may prevent bowel movements altogether, and severe cases can involve the rectum connecting to the urinary or genital tracts.

How does a severe anorectal malformation affect the child?

In severe cases, the rectum may open into the urinary or genital urinary tracts, potentially causing urinary tract infections and preventing the child from achieving normal bowel control.

Can children with anorectal malformations achieve normal bowel control after surgery?

Yes, children with mild cases often regain voluntary bowel control after surgery. However, children with more severe cases may not achieve normal bowel control.

Do anorectal malformations affect boys and girls differently?

No, anorectal malformations affect boys and girls in the same way. The malformation can cause the rectum to be in the wrong place, missing, or connected to the genital urinary tracts in both genders.

How many surgeries do children with anorectal malformations typically need?

While some children may need only one surgery to correct the malformation, most children require three surgeries for complete correction.

What role does the International Center for Colorectal Care play in treating anorectal malformations?

The International Center for Colorectal Care provides a multidisciplinary team that assesses the child's potential for bowel and urinary control, as well as future sexual and reproductive function. They also provide support for transitioning to adult care.

What happens when a child with an anorectal malformation grows into an adult?

When a child with an anorectal malformation grows into an adult, the International Center for Colorectal Care continues to provide support to help transition them into adult care, ensuring long-term management of their condition.