Imperforate Anus

If a newborn does not have an anus, there is no outlet to release stool after birth. The intestine ends in a blind pouch, so your infant's stool, called meconium, remains in the intestine.

This can cause vomiting and an enlarged or swollen abdomen.

In some cases, the rectum may end high in the pelvis or it can end low, closer to the correct position.

If there is a fistula or connection between the intestine and the bladder, stool may be excreted with urine. If there is a fistula between the intestine and the vagina, stool may pass out of the vagina.

If the anal opening is missing or in the wrong position, a doctor can diagnose the condition with a physical examination.

The existence of a fistula — an abnormal connection or opening — between the intestine and bladder would be suspected if stool is excreted through the urine. A fistula between the intestine and vagina would be suspected if stool is excreted from the vagina.

To confirm the condition, your baby's doctor may request several diagnostic tests, including an X-ray and ultrasound.

To treat imperforate anus, surgery will be performed to create an opening, or new anus, to allow stool to pass. The surgery may differ, depending on whether the anus ends high or low in the pelvis.

If the intestine ends high in the pelvis, treatment usually involves three procedures:

• In a procedure called a colostomy, a stoma — an opening on the abdomen where the intestine is brought out to the skin — is created. Stool passes out the opening into a special stoma bag worn on the outside of the body, on the abdomen. See information on stoma care.
• The second procedure, called anoplasty, involves pulling the rectum down to the anus where a new anal opening is created. If the child has a fistula connecting the intestine to the bladder or vagina, that connection will be closed.
• Several months later after the new anal opening has healed, a third procedure will be performed to close the stoma.

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