Surgery to correct one of several birth defects involving malformation of the rectum and anus ( imperforate anus ). in individuals with a normal anatomy, the large intestine (colon) empties into a pouch-like portion of bowel (rectum). Through complex nerve and muscle structures, the rectum releases stool through the anus out of the body. Infants with imperforate anus defect have malformations of the rectum and anus, in which abnormal development of these structures leads to growth of skin over the anus, and incomplete development of the rectum. As a result, these infants have either no anal opening through which stool can pass, or a very small fistulous opening (channel that connects skin to bowel) that allows only a small amount of stool to pass out of the rectum. Variations of the defect include:
complete absence of an anal opening a small tube-like opening ( fistula ) from the bowel to the skin, vagina or urethra
rectum ends above the pelvic nerve and muscle structures ("high type" imperforate anus) rectum extends completely or partially through the pelvic nerve and muscle structures ("low type" imperforate anus)
Alternative Names
Anorectal malformation repair; Perineal anoplasty