Imperforate Anus, Newborn
The anus is the opening of the butt. It is where poop (stool) leaves the body. Imperforate anus is a problem present at birth (congenital condition). It happens when the anus is missing, blocked, or in the wrong place. It is also called anorectal malformation.
This condition can cause poop to back up in the large intestine or leave the body through another opening. It is treated with surgery to make a safe way for poop to leave the body.
What are the causes?
The exact cause of this condition is not known. In some cases, it may be linked to other conditions that babies are born with.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms of this condition include:
No clear anus.
A swollen abdomen.
No poop during the first days of life.
Poop that comes out with pee (urine) from the tip of the penis, in males.
Poop that comes out through the opening of the vagina, in females.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition is diagnosed based on a physical exam and tests. Tests may include:
X-rays of the abdomen.
Ultrasound.
MRI.
How is this treated?
After birth, your baby will need to go to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). There, a plan will be made to treat your baby. Your baby's health care provider may:
Stop feedings. If you plan to give your baby breast milk later, you should start to pump breast milk right away. This will help keep up your supply of milk. You may freeze the pumped breast milk to use later.
Put monitors on your baby's body. These will check your baby's heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels.
Put a tube in your baby's nose or mouth that goes into their stomach. This may be used to take air and fluid out of the stomach.
Put an IV in one of your baby's veins. Your baby will get fluids, nutrition, and medicine through the IV.
Do imaging tests to look for other problems that may be linked to this condition.
Surgery is done to make a safe way for poop to leave the body. The surgery is called perineal anoplasty. In most cases, this is done in the first few days after birth.
If the surgery cannot be done right away, your baby will be given a colostomy. This is when part of the colon is attached to the wall of the abdomen. A hole (stoma) is made in the abdomen for poop to leave the body. This procedure can be reversed when the anoplasty is done.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
