Anorectal Malformations

Shriners Children's Provides Specialized Care for Children with Anorectal Malformations

The goal of our colorectal and gastrointestinal specialty care is to provide advanced treatment and rehabilitation for children with anal-rectal disorders that frees them from social stigma and allows them to live and play like other children.

What Are Anorectal Malformations?

Anorectal malformations are birth defects that prevent the anus and rectum from developing properly. They are conditions that affect the lower part of the digestive tract.

Several problems can occur from anorectal malformations, including:

• The anal passage may be narrow
• A membrane may be present over the anal opening
• The rectum may not connect to the anus (imperforate anus)
• The rectum may connect to a part of the urinary tract or the reproductive system through an abnormal passage called a fistula

What Are the Symptoms of an Anorectal Malformation in a Child?

• Lack of stool
• Stool coming from the vagina
• Stool in the urine
• Urine coming from the anus
• Trouble having a bowel movement, or constipation

How We Care for Anorectal Malformations

We treat children each year with a wide range of anorectal malformations. We see patients from newborns, who need urgent surgery, to young adults who need long-term follow-up. Our team has extensive experience and can provide all aspects of your child’s care in one place. We also provide second opinions.

Anorectal malformations can be really complex issues. Each child’s case is unique. Team members partner closely with each other and with you to develop the best treatment plan for your child.

Often, newborns are referred from their birth center because a malformation is seen right away. We also see many babies and children at any age who:

• Have symptoms but haven’t been diagnosed yet because their malformation is not obvious
• Have been diagnosed and need surgery
• Had surgery somewhere else for this condition and want to change doctors or want a second opinion about the best treatment for them

Surgery corrects the malformation, and it may allow your child to develop good bowel control. Despite surgery, some children have poor bowel control due to factors like:

• The type of malformation
• Whether the child also has problems with the spine
• How well the pelvic muscles developed

We provide follow-up care to monitor your child’s health, prevent problems, manage symptoms and give your child the best quality of life.

Specific treatments and services may vary by location. Please contact a specific location for more information.