Imperforate Anus

Subject: Midwifery III (Theory)

Overview

Imperforate anus is a birth defect. The anus opening is either closed or obstructed. The anus is the rectum's exit point for stools. There are several types of imperforate anus. Anal opening very close to the vaginal opening in girls, first stool not passed within 24 to 48 hours after birth, missing or moved anus opening, and swollen belly area are all symptoms of the problem. During a physical examination, a health care provider can detect this condition. Imaging studies may be advised. The defect must be repaired surgically. If the rectum connects to other organs, those organs will need to be repaired as well. A colostomy (a connection from the end of the large intestine to the stomach) is a temporary procedure.

Imperforated anus is a congenital defect that occurs at birth (congenital). The anus opening is either closed or blocked. The anus is the rectum's opening through which stools exit the body.

Causes

  • The rectum may terminate in a pouch that is not connected to the colon.
  • Openings to other structures may exist in the rectum. In boys, these may include the urethra, bladder, base of the penis or scrotum, and in girls, the vagina.
  • The anus may be narrowed (stenosis) or there may be no anus.
  • It is caused by abnormal fetal development. Many types of imperforate anus are associated with other birth defects.

Symptoms

  • In females, the anal opening is very close to the vaginal opening.
  • The first stool does not pass within 24 to 48 hours of birth.
  • The anus has a missing or relocated opening.
  • The stool exits the vagina, the base of the penis, the scrotum, or the urethra.
  • The abdomen is swollen.

Diagnosis:

During a physical exam, a health care provider can diagnose this condition. Imaging tests may be advised.

Treatment

Other issues, such as genital, urinary tract, and spine abnormalities, should be investigated.

Surgery is required to correct the defect. If the rectum connects to other organs, those organs must also be repaired. A temporary colostomy (a connection between the end of the large intestine and the abdomen wall so that stool can be collected in a bag) is frequently required.

Prevention:

There is no known way to avoid it. If there is a family history of this defect, parents should seek genetic counseling.
Things to remember
  • Imperforated anus is a birth defect (congenital). The anus opening is either closed or closed.
  • The anus is the opening to the rectum through which stools exit the body.
  • Imperforate anus can take several forms.
  • Symptoms of the problem include anal opening very close to the vaginal opening in girls, first stool not passed within 24 to 48 hours after birth, missing or relocated anus opening, and swollen belly area.
  • During a physical examination, a health care provider can diagnose this condition.
  • Imaging tests may be recommended.
  • The defect must be corrected surgically.
  • If the rectum connects to other organs, those organs will also need to be repaired.
  • A temporary colostomy (a connection between the end of the large intestine and the abdomen wall so that stool can be collected in a bag) is frequently required.
Questions and Answers

Having an imperforated anus is a birth deformity (congenital). The anus's opening is either closed off or absent. Stools exit the body through the anus, which is the entry to the rectum.

There are various manifestations of imperforate anus.

  • The pouch at the end of the rectum might not join the colon.
  • Openings to different structures could be present in the rectum. These could be the vagina in females or the urethra, bladder, base of the penis or scrotum in males.
  • The anus may be stenotic (narrowed) or absent.
  • It results from the fetus's abnormal development. Imperforate anus comes in many different forms and is often present at birth.

Possible signs of the issue include:

  • Anal opening in girls is quite close to the vaginal opening
  • 24 to 48 hours after delivery, first poop is not passed.
  • Missing or relocated anus opening
  • Stool emerges from the urethra, scrotum, base of penis, or vagina.
  • Belly-area enlargement.

© 2021 Saralmind. All Rights Reserved.