Imperforate anus repair

Definition

Imperforate anus repair is surgery to correct a birth defect involving the rectum and anus.

An imperforate anus defect prevents most or all stool from passing out of the rectum.

Alternative Names

Anorectal malformation repair; Perineal anoplasty; Anorectal anomaly; Anorectal plasty

Description

How this surgery is performed depends on the type of imperforate anus. The surgery is done under general anesthesia. This means the infant is asleep and feels no pain during the procedure.

For mild imperforate anus defects:

  • The first step involves enlarging the opening where the stool drains, so stool can pass more easily.
  • Surgery involves closing any small tube-like openings (fistulas), creating an anal opening, and putting the rectal pouch into the anal opening. This is called an anoplasty.
  • The child must often take stool softeners for weeks to months.

Two surgeries are often needed for more severe imperforate anus defects:

  • The first surgery is called a colostomy. The surgeon creates an opening (stoma) in the skin and muscle of the abdominal wall. The end of the large intestine is attached to the opening. Stool will drain into a bag attached to the abdomen.
  • The baby is often allowed to grow for 3 to 6 months.
  • In the second surgery, the surgeon moves the colon to a new position. A cut is made in the anal area to pull the rectal pouch down into place and create an anal opening.
  • The colostomy will likely be left in place for 2 to 3 more months.

Your child's surgeon can tell you more about the exact way the surgeries will be done.

Why the Procedure Is Performed

The surgery repairs the defect so that stool can move through the rectum.

Risks

Risks from anesthesia and surgery in general include:

  • Reactions to medicines
  • Breathing problems
  • Bleeding, blood clots, infection

Risks of this procedure include:

  • Damage to the urethra (tube that carries urine out of the bladder)
  • Damage to the ureter (tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder)
  • Hole that develops through the wall of the intestine (perforation)
  • Abnormal connection (fistula) between the anus and vagina or skin
  • Narrowed opening of the anus
  • Long-term problems with bowel movements because of damage to the nerves and muscles to the colon and rectum (may be constipation or incontinence)
  • Temporary paralysis of the bowel (paralytic ileus)

Before the Procedure

Follow instructions on how to prepare your baby for the surgery.

After the Procedure

Your baby may be able to go home later the same day if a mild defect is repaired. Or, your baby may need to spend several days in the hospital.

Your health care provider will use an instrument to stretch (dilate) the new anus. This is done to improve muscle tone and prevent narrowing. This stretching must be done for several months.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Most defects can be corrected with surgery. Children with mild defects usually do very well. But, constipation may be a problem.

Children who have more complex surgeries still usually have control of their bowel movements. But, they often need to follow a bowel program. This includes eating high-fiber foods, taking stool softeners, and sometimes using enemas.

Some children may need more surgery. Most of these children will need to be followed-up closely for life.

Children with imperforate anus may also have other birth defects, including problems with the heart, kidneys, arms, legs, or spine.

References

Bischoff A, De La Torre L, Peña A. Imperforate anus. In: Wyllie R, Hyams JS, Kay M, eds. Pediatric Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 55.

Shanti CM. Surgical conditions of the anus and rectum. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 371.

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Review Date: 9/9/2023
Reviewed By: Debra G. Wechter, MD, FACS, General Surgery Practice Specializing in Breast Cancer, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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