How is anal atresia diagnosed and treated?

  Congenital anorectal malformation, also known as anal atresia, is a relatively common congenital gastrointestinal malformation in newborns, with one case in about 3,000 births. It is caused by a disorder of embryonic development. Anorectal malformations are diverse and pathologically complex, with not only defects in the development of the anorectum itself, but also varying degrees of alterations in the perianal muscles-the puborectalis, external anal sphincter, and internal sphincter. Neurological changes are also an important part of this malformation. In addition, the malformation may be associated with other organ malformations.  The clinical classification of atresia is based on whether the blind end of the rectum is located above, in, or below the puborectalis muscle. In female infants, it is common to have I-tubes leading to the perineum or vagina, and in male infants, there is often a fistula that connects to the urinary tract.  Presentation: 1. No meconium is passed after birth; 2. There is no normal anus in the perineum; 3. There are also infants with fistulas in the perineum, which can pass meconium.  Diagnosis: 1. absence of a normal anus in the perineum; with or without a fistula. The fistula can be the same as the vagina, vulva, perineum or urethra.  2. The type of high and low level can be determined by an inverted abdominal radiograph in order to determine the treatment plan.  3. Those with fistulae can be examined by fistulography. Treatment: The main point of treatment is to reconstruct the normal anal opening and to preserve its stool control.  1.One-stage anal molding surgery is feasible for low anal atresia.  2. Staged surgery can be performed for medium to high anal atresia. A colostomy is now performed, followed by anoplasty, and then the fistula is closed. Of course, if the child is in good condition and has mature technology and experience, the surgery can also be performed in one stage.  3. The anus should be dilated for about 6 months after surgery to prevent anal stenosis.