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Digestive system
Digestive system
Imperforate anus
Imperforate anus
Imperforate anus repair  - series
Imperforate anus repair - series


Imperforate anus

Alternative Names:
Anorectal malformation; Anal atresia

Symptoms:
  • Absence of anal opening
  • Misplaced anal opening
  • Anal opening very near the vaginal opening in the female
  • No passage of first stool within 24 - 48 hours after birth
  • Stool passed by way of vagina, base of penis or scrotum, or urethra
  • Abdominal distention


Signs and tests:

A physical examination with check for anal patency in the newborn will show the malformation.

A lower abdominal x-ray or contrast enema may be recommended.




Review Date: 8/11/2005
Reviewed By: Joseph P. Hart, M.D., Marco Polo Traveling Fellow c/o Department of Vascular Surgery, A. Z. St. Blasius Hospital (Belgium). Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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