Anal Atresia

Anal atresia, a birth defect, is a malformation of the anus that occurs in about 1 in 5,000 live births. An "atresia" is when an orifice or passageway in the body is closed or absent. The condition is also known as "imperforate anus," with imperforate meaning that the perforation or hole is missing. This condition is often readily seen after a baby's birth; the normal opening for the anus is not present. Other signs of anal atresia are as follows:

• the anal opening is in the wrong location
• the baby doesn't pass his or her first stool (feces) within 24 to 48 hours after the delivery
• stool comes out through the vagina, urethra, scrotum or penis

Other birth defects are often present in a baby with anal atresia. Examples of such birth defects are spinal problems, renal (kidney) problems and heart malformations.

What Is Anal Atresia?

Anal atresia (pronounced "AY-nal ah-TREE-zhuh") is a congenital birth defect; that is, it's present at birth. There are several types of anal atresia:

• a cloaca, in which the rectum, urinary tract and vagina are a single channel
• a low-lesion atresia: the colon (the last part of the intestines) is close to the surface of the skin
• a high-lesion atresia: the colon is higher up, and an opening connects the rectum and other organs such as the vagina or bladder

Treatment and Diagnosis

The diagnosis of anal atresia is usually done via:

• visual/physical examination
• an abdominal x-ray
• an enema, which involves an injection of liquid into the intestine

Anal atresia is a type of malformation that must be treated, of course. In most cases, the malformation can be corrected by surgery: a fistula (opening) is created. Other types of surgery that may be needed are performed to dilate (make larger) a constricted anus or to create a colostomy (an opening for feces that bypasses the anal atresia). The prognosis for children with anal atresia is quite good.

Was Your Baby Born with Anal Atresia?

It's not known what causes anal atresia. There aren't any clear links between, say, a mother's environment during her pregnancy, or the use of drugs. However, there have been reports that show that certain medications may increase the risk of birth defects such as anal atresia.

To learn more or to speak with a a birth defect attorney about the possibility of filing a birth defect lawsuit to seek compensation for your child’s injuries, contact us today.