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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?

Birth Defects of the Digestive Tract

Abdominal Wall Defects

Anorectal Malformations

Biliary Atresia

Diaphragmatic Hernia

Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula

Hirschsprung Disease

Intestinal Malrotation

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

Most of the body’s iron is found in hemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that enables the cells to supply oxygen to all the body’s tissues. Iron also plays a role in muscle cell function and the formation of some enzymes. While iron is found in many foods, it may or may not be easily absorbed depending on the type of iron. Which of the following foods contains the more easily absorbed type of iron?

Bananas
Pumpkin seeds
Red meat
Spinach

Anorectal Malformations

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Last full review/revision Apr 2020| Content last modified Apr 2020

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Get the full details

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.

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

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 Plain X-Rays A plain x-ray is an imaging test that takes a picture of the inside of your body. It uses a low dose of x-ray radiation. X-rays show body parts according to how dense (solid) they are. Doctors... read more .

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.

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: Click here for the Professional Version

Click here for the Professional Version

Abdominal Wall Defects

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Biliary Atresia

Birth Defects of the Digestive Tract

Abdominal Wall Defects

Anorectal Malformations

Biliary Atresia

Diaphragmatic Hernia

Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula

Hirschsprung Disease

Intestinal Malrotation

Anorectal Malformations

Constipation in Children

Most of the body’s iron is found in hemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that enables the cells to supply oxygen to all the body’s tissues. Iron also plays a role in muscle cell function and the formation of some enzymes. While iron is found in many foods, it may or may not be easily absorbed depending on the type of iron. Which of the following foods contains the more easily absorbed type of iron?

Bananas
Pumpkin seeds
Red meat
Spinach

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