DEFINITIONDEFINITION
Anorectal malformations are developmental
deformities of the lower end of the
alimentary tract i.e. the anorectal canal.
INCIDENCEINCIDENCE
Minor abnormalities of the anus and rectum Minor abnormalities of the anus and rectum
occur in 1 in 500 living newborns while occur in 1 in 500 living newborns while
major abnormalities occur in 1 in 5000 major abnormalities occur in 1 in 5000
living infants.living infants.
CAUSECAUSE
The exact cause of these malformations is The exact cause of these malformations is
not known. It occurs due to the arrest in the not known. It occurs due to the arrest in the
embryonic development of the anus, lower embryonic development of the anus, lower
rectum and urogenital tract at the 8th week rectum and urogenital tract at the 8th week
of embryonic life.of embryonic life.
CAUSECAUSE CONTD CONTD……
The membrane that separates the The membrane that separates the
endodermal hindgut from the ectodermal endodermal hindgut from the ectodermal
anal dimple perforates and a continuous anal dimple perforates and a continuous
canal is formed, the outlet of which is the canal is formed, the outlet of which is the
anus.anus.
CAUSECAUSE CONTD CONTD……
If the membrane separating the rectum If the membrane separating the rectum
from the anus is not absorbed, and if the from the anus is not absorbed, and if the
union does not take place, an anorectal union does not take place, an anorectal
anomaly results. anomaly results.
CAUSE CONTDCAUSE CONTD……
Approximately 40% of the neonates with Approximately 40% of the neonates with
anorectal malformations have associated anorectal malformations have associated
anomalies like Down’s syndrome, anomalies like Down’s syndrome,
congenital heart disease, undescended congenital heart disease, undescended
testes, renal abnormalities, esophageal testes, renal abnormalities, esophageal
atresia and neural tube defect.atresia and neural tube defect.
TYPESTYPES
ACCORDING TO THE VISIBILITY OF ACCORDING TO THE VISIBILITY OF
THE ANUS:THE ANUS:
a) With a visible abnormal opening of a) With a visible abnormal opening of
the bowelthe bowel
1)Anal stenosis:1)Anal stenosis: It accounts for 10% of all It accounts for 10% of all
ARMs. A stricture is at the anus or at levels 1 ARMs. A stricture is at the anus or at levels 1
to 4 cm above the anus, or extends the entire to 4 cm above the anus, or extends the entire
length of the anus.length of the anus.
TYPES CONTDTYPES CONTD……
3) Ano-vestibular fistula in female3) Ano-vestibular fistula in female..
TYPES CONTDTYPES CONTD……
b) With an invisible but manifested opening b) With an invisible but manifested opening
of the bowelof the bowel::
1) 1) Rectovaginal fistula in femaleRectovaginal fistula in female
TYPES CONTDTYPES CONTD……
2) 2) Recto urethral fistula in maleRecto urethral fistula in male
TYPES CONTD…TYPES CONTD…
c) c) No manifested opening of the bowelNo manifested opening of the bowel
1) 1) Persistent anal membrane or imperforate Persistent anal membrane or imperforate
anusanus: Here there is an imperforate anal : Here there is an imperforate anal
membrane that produces obstruction membrane that produces obstruction
behind which the meconium is seen.behind which the meconium is seen.
TYPES CONTD…TYPES CONTD…
a) On the basis of levator ani musclea) On the basis of levator ani muscle
1) Supralevator or high ano-rectal 1) Supralevator or high ano-rectal
malformationmalformation:: When rectum terminates When rectum terminates
above the levator ani muscle, which is found above the levator ani muscle, which is found
as rectal atresia, rectoprostatic fistula and as rectal atresia, rectoprostatic fistula and
rectovaginal fistula. rectovaginal fistula.
TYPES CONTDTYPES CONTD……
2) 2) Translevator or low anoTranslevator or low ano--rectal malformationrectal malformation
: When rectum terminates below the levator : When rectum terminates below the levator
ani muscle found in ano-cutaneous fistula ani muscle found in ano-cutaneous fistula
and anovestibular fistula.and anovestibular fistula.
ANAL AGENESISANAL AGENESIS
There is an imperforate anus, possibly seen There is an imperforate anus, possibly seen
as a dimple. The rectal pouch ends blindly as a dimple. The rectal pouch ends blindly
some distance above the anus or forms a some distance above the anus or forms a
fistula with other organs leading tofistula with other organs leading to
–Rectovaginal fistula- low and high (female)Rectovaginal fistula- low and high (female)
–Rectoperineal fistula (male and female)Rectoperineal fistula (male and female)
–Rectovesical fistula (male)Rectovesical fistula (male)
–Rectourethral fistula (male)Rectourethral fistula (male)
–Rectoprostatic fistula (male)Rectoprostatic fistula (male)
ANAL AGENESIS CONTD…ANAL AGENESIS CONTD…
RECTOVAGINAL LOW FISTULARECTOVAGINAL LOW FISTULA
RECTAL ATRESIARECTAL ATRESIA
There is a normal anus and anal pouch. There is a normal anus and anal pouch.
The rectal pouch ends blindly in the hollow The rectal pouch ends blindly in the hollow
of the sacrum. The anus might form a of the sacrum. The anus might form a
fistula with other parts leading tofistula with other parts leading to
–Ano vestibular fistula (female)Ano vestibular fistula (female)
– Ano perineal fistula (male and female)Ano perineal fistula (male and female)
–Ano cutaneous fistula (male and female)Ano cutaneous fistula (male and female)
CLOACAL EXSTROPHYCLOACAL EXSTROPHY
It is a rare, severe defect in which there is It is a rare, severe defect in which there is
externalization of the bladder and bowel through externalization of the bladder and bowel through
the abdominal wall. Often the genetalia are the abdominal wall. Often the genetalia are
indefinite, and the chromosome studies are indefinite, and the chromosome studies are
necessary to determine the child’s sex. These necessary to determine the child’s sex. These
children are mostly females children are mostly females
CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONSCLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS
–Absence of meconiumAbsence of meconium
–No anal openingNo anal opening
–Unable to insert a gloved finger or a rectal Unable to insert a gloved finger or a rectal
thermometer into the rectumthermometer into the rectum
–Abdominal distentionAbdominal distention
CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONSCLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS
–History of difficult defecation, abdominal distention History of difficult defecation, abdominal distention
and ribbon like stools in an older child in case of anal and ribbon like stools in an older child in case of anal
stenosis.stenosis.
–Greenish bulging membrane behind anus in case of Greenish bulging membrane behind anus in case of
imperforate anal membraneimperforate anal membrane
–Intestinal obstruction if no fistulasIntestinal obstruction if no fistulas
–Passage of meconium through vagina, perineal orifice Passage of meconium through vagina, perineal orifice
or with urine in case of fistulaor with urine in case of fistula
DIAGNOSTIC TESTSDIAGNOSTIC TESTS
Physical examination by passing the gloved Physical examination by passing the gloved
little finger through the anus and by little finger through the anus and by
observing the passage through which observing the passage through which
meconium was passed.meconium was passed.
Ultrasounds scan to locate the rectal pouch.Ultrasounds scan to locate the rectal pouch.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTSDIAGNOSTIC TESTS contd… contd…
X-ray with inverted infant called as X-ray with inverted infant called as
invertogram or Wangensteen-Rice X-ray invertogram or Wangensteen-Rice X-ray
when the infant is 24 hrs of age.when the infant is 24 hrs of age.
Urine examination for presence of Urine examination for presence of
meconium and epithelial debris.meconium and epithelial debris.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTSDIAGNOSTIC TESTS contd… contd…
Micturating cystourethrogram (MCU) to Micturating cystourethrogram (MCU) to
detect urinary abnormalities.detect urinary abnormalities.
Intravenous pyelogram to rule out Intravenous pyelogram to rule out
vesicourethral reflux.vesicourethral reflux.
MANAGEMENTMANAGEMENT
The reconstructive surgery is done to The reconstructive surgery is done to
correct or repair the congenital correct or repair the congenital
malformations. It depends upon the type of malformations. It depends upon the type of
anomaly and sex of the infant.anomaly and sex of the infant.
MANAGEMENT CONTDMANAGEMENT CONTD ……
In case of low ARMs, where there is less In case of low ARMs, where there is less
than 1.5cm distance between the anal than 1.5cm distance between the anal
dimple and the rectal pouch, rectal cutback dimple and the rectal pouch, rectal cutback
anoplasty or Y-V plasty is done for male anoplasty or Y-V plasty is done for male
infants and dilation of fistula with definitive infants and dilation of fistula with definitive
repair or perineal anoplasty is performed repair or perineal anoplasty is performed
for female infants.for female infants.
MANAGEMENT CONTDMANAGEMENT CONTD ……
In case of high ARMs, where there is more than 1.5cm In case of high ARMs, where there is more than 1.5cm
distance between the anal dimple and the rectal pouch, distance between the anal dimple and the rectal pouch,
initial colostomy is done in the neonatal period followed by initial colostomy is done in the neonatal period followed by
definitive reconstructive surgery as posterior sagittal ano-definitive reconstructive surgery as posterior sagittal ano-
rectoplasty at the age of 10 to 12 months or when the rectoplasty at the age of 10 to 12 months or when the
infant is having 7 to 9 kg body weight. Colostomy closure is infant is having 7 to 9 kg body weight. Colostomy closure is
done after 10 to 12 weeks of successful definitive surgery.done after 10 to 12 weeks of successful definitive surgery.
MANAGEMENT CONTD…MANAGEMENT CONTD…
In case of imperforate anal membrane, the In case of imperforate anal membrane, the
membrane is perforated with a blunt membrane is perforated with a blunt
instrument. Repeated dilatation might be instrument. Repeated dilatation might be
necessary to prevent scar formation.necessary to prevent scar formation.
MANAGEMENT CONTDMANAGEMENT CONTD ……
In case of anal stenosis, dilatation is done every 4-6 In case of anal stenosis, dilatation is done every 4-6
months.months.
In case of fistulas, the colon can be brought down In case of fistulas, the colon can be brought down
through the anal dimple by an abdominoperineal through the anal dimple by an abdominoperineal
procedure. The anus is positioned in the area of procedure. The anus is positioned in the area of
external sphincter and the fistula is removed.external sphincter and the fistula is removed.
PREOPERATIVE CARE:PREOPERATIVE CARE:
–Gastric suction may be doneGastric suction may be done
–Withhold oral feedingsWithhold oral feedings
–Start parenteral hydrationStart parenteral hydration
–Measurement of abdominal girthMeasurement of abdominal girth
–Intake output chartIntake output chart
–Consent from parentsConsent from parents
–Pre-medicationsPre-medications
POST OPERATIVE CAREPOST OPERATIVE CARE
Scrupulous perineal careScrupulous perineal care
Change perineal dressings whenever soiledChange perineal dressings whenever soiled
Apply protective ointments such as zinc oxides to Apply protective ointments such as zinc oxides to
decrease skin irritation.decrease skin irritation.
Position baby in a side-lying or a supine position Position baby in a side-lying or a supine position
with the legs suspended at a 90° angle to the trunk with the legs suspended at a 90° angle to the trunk
to prevent pressure on perineal suturesto prevent pressure on perineal sutures
POST OPERATIVE CAREPOST OPERATIVE CARE contd contd……
Intravenous feedings till the wound heals or Intravenous feedings till the wound heals or
until peristalsis appear.until peristalsis appear.
Prevention of constipation by exclusive Prevention of constipation by exclusive
breastfeeding and proper weaning with breastfeeding and proper weaning with
stool softeners or fibers.stool softeners or fibers.
Bowel habit trainingBowel habit training
POST OPERATIVE CARE contdPOST OPERATIVE CARE contd ……
Daily enemas until control are achieved if Daily enemas until control are achieved if
necessary.necessary.
Do not use diaper in case of anoplastyDo not use diaper in case of anoplasty
Colostomy care by changing the collection device Colostomy care by changing the collection device
and meticulous skin care.and meticulous skin care.
Family support, discharge planning and home Family support, discharge planning and home
carecare
COMPLICATIONSCOMPLICATIONS
Urinary tract infectionUrinary tract infection
Intestinal obstructionIntestinal obstruction
Fecal impactionFecal impaction
Colostomy related problemsColostomy related problems
Recurrence of fistulaRecurrence of fistula
Anal stenosisAnal stenosis
Poor bowel controlPoor bowel control
ConstipationConstipation
PROGNOSISPROGNOSIS
–About 30% of children with high ARMs or About 30% of children with high ARMs or
associated genitor urinary fistula achieve bowel associated genitor urinary fistula achieve bowel
continence.continence.
–About 90% of children with low ARMs achieve About 90% of children with low ARMs achieve
bowel continence.bowel continence.
NURSING CARENURSING CARE
Preoperative : Preoperative : Impaired bowel elimination related to bowel Impaired bowel elimination related to bowel
malformation as evidenced by lack of patency or malformation as evidenced by lack of patency or
passage of stool through a different opening.passage of stool through a different opening.
Goal: The child will pass meconium and will not have abdominal distentionGoal: The child will pass meconium and will not have abdominal distention
Interventions:Interventions:
If there is a fistula, keep the perineum clean until surgery.If there is a fistula, keep the perineum clean until surgery.
Follow pre-operative orders.Follow pre-operative orders.
Do gastric decompression with NG tube.Do gastric decompression with NG tube.
Start IV line.Start IV line.
Follow strict nil per oral.Follow strict nil per oral.
Nursing care contdNursing care contd……
2) Fluid volume deficit related to nil per oral2) Fluid volume deficit related to nil per oral
Goal: The child will maintain normal fluid balanceGoal: The child will maintain normal fluid balance
Interventions:Interventions:
–Maintain intake output chartMaintain intake output chart
–Administer IV fluids as ordered.Administer IV fluids as ordered.
–Do gastric decompression.Do gastric decompression.
Nursing care contdNursing care contd……
3) 3) Risk for infection (UTI) related to passage of meconium through Risk for infection (UTI) related to passage of meconium through
urethra.urethra.
Goal: The child will have no risk for infection.Goal: The child will have no risk for infection.
Interventions:Interventions:
If there is a fistula, keep the perineum clean until surgery.If there is a fistula, keep the perineum clean until surgery.
Follow pre-operative orders.Follow pre-operative orders.
Start IV line.Start IV line.
Administer plenty of IV fluids as ordered.Administer plenty of IV fluids as ordered.
Send urine for examination.Send urine for examination.
Nursing care contdNursing care contd……
Postoperative:Postoperative:
1) Pain related to surgery1) Pain related to surgery
Goal: The child will have less painGoal: The child will have less pain
Interventions:Interventions:
Keep the sutured site clean.Keep the sutured site clean.
Do not spread the legs or place in prone position to avoid Do not spread the legs or place in prone position to avoid
strain on the sutures.strain on the sutures.
Keep the legs suspended at 90°angle to the trunk. Keep the legs suspended at 90°angle to the trunk.
Prevent constipation by restarting breastfeeding when Prevent constipation by restarting breastfeeding when
peristalsis appears.peristalsis appears.
Nursing care contdNursing care contd……
2)Impaired skin integrity related to surgery2)Impaired skin integrity related to surgery
Goal: The wound heals faster.Goal: The wound heals faster.
Interventions:Interventions:
Keep the sutured site clean.Keep the sutured site clean.
Do not spread the legs or place in prone position to avoid strain on the Do not spread the legs or place in prone position to avoid strain on the
sutures.sutures.
Keep the legs suspended at 90°angle to the trunk. Keep the legs suspended at 90°angle to the trunk.
Prevent constipation by restarting breastfeeding when peristalsis appears.Prevent constipation by restarting breastfeeding when peristalsis appears.
Apply zinc oxide ointment to prevent skin irritation.Apply zinc oxide ointment to prevent skin irritation.
Change dressing often.Change dressing often.
Do not use diaper.Do not use diaper.
A heat lamp may be used to facilitate healing.A heat lamp may be used to facilitate healing.
Nursing care contdNursing care contd……
3)Risk for infection related to surgical incision in the least 3)Risk for infection related to surgical incision in the least
clean area.clean area.
Goal: The child will have no risk for infection Interventions:Goal: The child will have no risk for infection Interventions:
Keep the sutured site clean. Keep the sutured site clean.
Change dressing often.Change dressing often.
Do not use diaper.Do not use diaper.
Change colostomy bag soon as it is soiled.Change colostomy bag soon as it is soiled.
Administer antibiotics if prescribed.Administer antibiotics if prescribed.
Keep the site dry.Keep the site dry.
Nursing care contd..Nursing care contd..
4)Impaired nutrition less than body requirement related to 4)Impaired nutrition less than body requirement related to
nil per oral.nil per oral.
Goal: The child will take adequate feeds.Goal: The child will take adequate feeds.
Interventions:Interventions:
Maintain intake output chartMaintain intake output chart
Administer IV fluids as ordered.Administer IV fluids as ordered.
Do gastric decompression immediately after sugery.Do gastric decompression immediately after sugery.
Start breastfeeding when peristalsis begins.Start breastfeeding when peristalsis begins.
Monitor abdominal girth.Monitor abdominal girth.
Give laxative if child is on cow’s milk.Give laxative if child is on cow’s milk.
Increase fiber content during weaning.Increase fiber content during weaning.
Nursing care contdNursing care contd……
Risk for complication (constipation, fecal Risk for complication (constipation, fecal
impaction) related to interference with impaction) related to interference with
neurological control of defecation.neurological control of defecation.
Impaired family process related to diagnosis of a Impaired family process related to diagnosis of a
congenital conditioncongenital condition
Anxiety related to surgery and hospitalization.Anxiety related to surgery and hospitalization.
Knowledge deficit regarding post operative careKnowledge deficit regarding post operative care