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Merck Manual
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Home /
Quick Facts: Children's Health Issues /
Birth Defects of the Digestive Tract /
... /
Anorectal Malformations /
IN THIS TOPIC

What are anorectal malformations?

What are the symptoms of anorectal malformations?

How can doctors tell if my baby has an anorectal malformation?

How do doctors treat anorectal malformations?

OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER

Birth Defects of the Digestive Tract
Abdominal Wall Defects
Anorectal Malformations
Biliary Atresia
Diaphragmatic Hernia
Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula
Hirschsprung Disease
Intestinal Malrotation

Test your knowledge

Effects of Aging on the Digestive System
Although aging does not affect the digestive system as much as it affects other organ systems, it can be a factor in several digestive system disorders. However, aging has only minor effects on the structure of which of the following parts of the digestive system?

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Quick Facts

Anorectal Malformations

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Last full review/revision Apr 2020| Content last modified Apr 2020
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What are anorectal malformations?

The anus is the hole in your bottom where poop (stool) comes out. The rectum is the end of the large intestine that attaches to the anus.

Anorectal malformations are birth defects of the anus and the rectum.

  • Anorectal malformations are when the opening of the anus is narrow, covered with skin, or missing completely

  • Anorectal malformations block the intestines so your baby can't poop

  • Usually, doctors do surgery to correct an anorectal malformation

Babies with anorectal malformations often have other birth defects.

What are the symptoms of anorectal malformations?

Babies with anorectal malformations don't poop normally after birth. The baby's anus doesn't look normal.

If an anorectal malformation isn't treated, your baby’s intestines may become blocked causing:

  • Pain

  • Irritability

  • Throwing up

  • Swollen belly

How can doctors tell if my baby has an anorectal malformation?

Doctors are able to tell if your baby has an anorectal malformation by examining your baby right after birth. They may also do x-rays.

How do doctors treat anorectal malformations?

To treat an anorectal malformation doctors usually do:

  • Surgery to remove or open the skin that blocks the anus

Sometimes, for severe problems, doctors first do a temporary colostomy. Doctors make a hole in the large intestine and connect it to a hole in the belly. Your baby's poop goes out the hole into a bag until your baby has grown big enough to have another operation to fix the anorectal malformation and close the colostomy.

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© 2020 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA)
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