Anorectal malformations are abnormalities that occur in the fetus while it is still growing in the womb. The anus and rectum fail to form normally in affected individuals. They make up the lowest section of the digestive system. Stool travels from the large intestine down the rectum and into the anus during a typical bowel movement.
Bowel movements are partially regulated by muscles in the anal region. Muscles’ ability to detect an urge to defecate is aided by nearby nerves. Muscles are also stimulated by nerves. Bowel function is affected in children with anorectal abnormalities. What your baby needs to get well will depend on what’s wrong with him or her.
When a kid is born with an anorectal abnormality, what factors contribute to its development?
Different organ systems are forming and maturing while an unborn kid grows in the uterus of its mother. Early in pregnancy, the lower part of the intestine begins to take shape. When a kid is still in the womb, the cells that will become the bottom half of the large intestine and the urinary tract are all clumped together.
The first three months of pregnancy or gestation are crucial for a successful outcome. Both the rectum and the anus need these processes in order to separate from the urinary system and mature normally. These procedures don’t always work as planned. If this occurs, the rectum or anus may not mature properly. It’s usually a mystery as to what sets off these occurrences.
How does one go about helping a kid who has been diagnosed with anorectal malformations?
Your child’s treatment will be tailored to his or her specific symptoms, age, and overall health. The severity of the illness is also a factor.
The vast majority of infants born with anorectal malformations will need surgical intervention. It’s impossible to predict the kind or quantity of necessary operations. The answer is conditional on the nature of your child’s issues. Some examples of such issues are as follows:
• It’s possible that they won’t have to undergo surgery. Anal dilation is a technique that may be performed on occasion. This aids in the elongation of the anal muscles, which facilitates bowel movement.
• If they have an anal membrane, surgical removal is a possibility. In the event that the anal channel becomes constricted, dilations may be necessary.
• Some conditions may need multiple and complex surgeries to make it possible for your baby to pass stools normally.
About Dr.Vishesh Dikshit
Dr. Vishesh Dikshit graduated from Govt. Medical College, Calicut, Kerala, in 2004 with an MBBS degree in medicine. In 2012, he received an MS in General Surgery from Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College in Sion, Mumbai, and in 2015, he received an MCh in Pediatric Surgery from Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College in Sion, Mumbai.