Medical Health Encyclopedia

Imperforate anus repair

The anal repair involves an abdominal incision, which loosens the colon from its attachments in the abdomen to allow it to be repositioned. Through an anal incision, the rectal pouch is pulled down into place, and the anal opening is completed. The colostomy may be closed during this stage or may be left in place for a few more months while the tissues heal, and closed at a later stage.

Surgery for the low-type imperforate anus (which frequently includes a fistula) involves closure of the fistula, creation of an anal opening, and repositioning the rectal pouch into the anal opening.

A major challenge for either type of defect and repair is finding, using, or creating adequate nerve and muscle structures around the rectum and anus to provide the child with the capacity to move the bowels normally.

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Indications:

This surgery is recommended to repair cases of imperforate anus and other anorectal malformations.

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