anorectal malformations

what is an anorectal malformation?

An anorectal malformation is a birth defect that causes the anus (the opening that poop comes out) not to develop properly. It occurs in one in every 4,000 babies. Some children are born with an anal opening that is too small, some have an anal opening that is in the wrong place, and some have no anal opening at all. This can happen if the end of the intestine does not separate properly from your child’s urinary system (in boys) or their vagina (in girls) while they are still in the womb.

A child who is born with an anorectal malformation might also have problems in other areas of their body. Your child’s doctor will do tests to check for these problems as soon as your child is diagnosed.

how are anorectal malformations diagnosed?

When your baby is born a doctor will always check to make sure that a newborn baby’s anus is open and in the correct position. If there are questions, different tests may be performed to understand the issue:

• Abdominal X-rays
• Renal ultrasound
• Pelvic ultrasound
• Spinal ultrasound
• MRI
• Echocardiogram

how are anorectal malformations diagnosed?

When your baby is born a doctor will always check to make sure that a newborn baby’s anus is open and in the correct position. If there are questions, different tests may be performed to understand the issue:

• Abdominal X-rays
• Renal ultrasound
• Pelvic ultrasound
• Spinal ultrasound
• MRI
• Echocardiogram