Anorectal anomalies are congenital malformations of the
anus
In mammals, invertebrates and most fish, the anus (: anuses or ani; from Latin, 'ring' or 'circle') is the external body orifice at the ''exit'' end of the digestive tract (bowel), i.e. the opposite end from the mouth. Its function is to facil ...
and
rectum
The rectum (: rectums or recta) is the final straight portion of the large intestine in humans and some other mammals, and the gut in others. Before expulsion through the anus or cloaca, the rectum stores the feces temporarily. The adult ...
. One anal anomaly,
imperforate anus
An imperforate anus or anorectal malformations (ARMs) are birth defects in which the rectum is malformed. ARMs are a spectrum of different congenital anomalies which vary from fairly minor lesions to complex anomalies. The cause of ARMs is unknow ...
has an estimated incidence of 1 in 5000 births.
[MedLine Plus.]
Imperforate anus
" Retrieved 13 July 2005. It affects boys and girls with similar frequency.
Examples of anorectal anomalies include:
* Anal
stenosis
Stenosis () is the abnormal narrowing of a blood vessel or other tubular organ or structure such as foramina and canals. It is also sometimes called a stricture (as in urethral stricture).
''Stricture'' as a term is usually used when narrowing ...
*
Proctitis
Proctitis or anusitis is an inflammation of the anus and the lining of the rectum, affecting only the last 6 inches of the rectum.
Signs and symptoms
A common symptom is a continual urge to have a bowel movement—the rectum could feel full ...
*
Anal bleeding
An anal fissure is a break or tear in the skin of the anal canal. Anal fissures may be noticed by bright red anal bleeding on toilet paper and undergarments, or sometimes in the toilet. If acute they are painful after defecation, but with chro ...
*
Anal fistula
Anal fistula is a chronic fistula, abnormal communication between the anal canal and the perianal skin. An anal fistula can be described as a narrow tunnel with its internal opening in the anal canal and its external opening in the skin near the a ...
See also
*
Imperforate anus
An imperforate anus or anorectal malformations (ARMs) are birth defects in which the rectum is malformed. ARMs are a spectrum of different congenital anomalies which vary from fairly minor lesions to complex anomalies. The cause of ARMs is unknow ...
References
External links
The Monarch Initiative
Colorectal surgery
Congenital disorders
Rare diseases
Anal diseases
Rectal diseases
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